Heat Indexes Up To 110 Possible With Excessive Heat Watch: See NoVA Forecast

VIRGINIA — If you thought it was hot this week, it's just about to get hotter for the weekend. Northern Virginia and much of the region is under an excessive heat watch by the National Weather Service.

Forecasters expect a real-feel heat index up to 110 degrees. At night, there will be little relief from the heat, as temperatures will remain in the mid-70s and 80s. Heat-related illnesses become more of a risk during weather with high temperatures and high humidity, and those without air conditioning could experience additional heat stress.

The National Weather Service's HeatRisk index predicts heat-related risks each day. Much of the region is under a level 2 moderate risk Friday, but that will change to a level 3 major risk Saturday. On Sunday, most of the Northern Virginia region is under a level 4 extreme risk. That is a "rare and/or long duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief," according to the National Weather Service.

Areas under the excessive heat watch around Northern Virginia include: Fairfax County, Arlington, County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Fredericksburg, King George County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, northwest, central and Southeast Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Temperatures that could deliver our hottest weekend in years arrive today and pick up a bit Saturday through Sunday. A prolonged period of dangerously high heat and humidity will threaten the entire area. It may feel like 105 to 110 during the afternoons. Because of that, an excessive heat watch has been issued for Saturday and may be extended into Sunday. Just a slight storm chance by Saturday with perhaps a few strong storms possible Sunday and Monday.

During times of extreme heat, forecaster recommend hydrating especially when outside, stay up to date on temperature and heat index forecasts, know the warning signs of heat-related illness, and act quickly when heat-related illness is suspected. Those working or exercising outdoors are advised to avoid overexertion particularly between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning. Check your local areas for cooling centers open such as libraries and community centers.

Heat cramps could be the first sign of heat-related illness. Symptoms may include painful muscle cramps, spasms in the legs and abdomen, and heavy sweating. When someone is experiencing heat cramps, apply firm pressure on cramping muscles, and give a sip of water. Seek medical attention if the cramps last longer than an hour.

Heat exhaustion is possible for those experiencing symptoms of heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache and fainting. When someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, loosen clothing, apply cool, wet cloths or put them in a cool path, and offer sips of water. Seek medical attention if the person vomits or symptoms worsen and last longer than an hour.

Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency and is associated with symptoms of throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103 degrees F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness. When someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 or get the person to a hospital. The person should be moved to a cooler environment and receive cool cloths or baths. A person experiencing heat stroke should not be given fluids.

Here is the forecast at Reagan National Airport over the next few days.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 96. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 77.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 105. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 81.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Southwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. At night, showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. At night, a chance of thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent at night.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 94. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 75.