Severe Storms, Extreme Heat Return To NoVA Weather Forecast

Several days of mild temperatures and low humidity will snap in the Northern Virginia region on Friday, as extreme heat will sweep across the area before chances of thunderstorms return, according to forecasters.

Heat index values will rise as high as 109 degrees on Friday, posing a risk of heat-related illnesses, officials warn. Temperatures will be in the upper 90s as the new weather front brings in choking humidity.

Humidity and temperatures are starting to increase on Thursday ahead of Friday's heat advisory.

The National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington office has issued a heat advisory Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Areas in Northern Virginia under the heat advisory are Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Loudoun County, northwest, central and southeast Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Forecasters encourage residents to wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening, and be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is considered an emergency and should be directed to 911.

As has been the case with storms in recent weeks, breaks in the extreme heat could come in the form of thunderstorms. The National Weather Service says daily chances of showers and thunderstorms start Friday and continue into the weekend. A few strong or severe thunderstorms are possible.

"A lack of breeze and dew points creeping into the lower 70s add to the misery" of the extreme heat, the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang says. There's a small chance of storms on Friday, but forecasters say that's part of a weakening cold front.

Better chances of storms arrive over the weekend. The Capital Weather Gang says afternoon and evening storms could cause downpours. The chances for severe weather also extend into next week.

"Saturday and Sunday hold more potential to set off afternoon and evening storms with locally heavy downpours possible," the Capital Weather Gang said. "Sunshine is a bit more abundant on Monday and Tuesday, and showers and storms are generally isolated in nature."

Here is the detailed National Weather Service forecast for the Northern Virginia region:

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 91. At night, clear, with a low around 76.

Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 105. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 79.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. The chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent at night.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 94. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 77.

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