Residents in the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia areas are bracing themselves for a wave of potentially dangerous heat. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning, effective from 11 AM this morning to 9 PM EDT this evening, cautioning that heat index values could soar up to 110 degrees. An Extreme Heat Watch will follow, active from Tuesday morning through the same evening, signaling that similar conditions are anticipated.
Forecasters warn of dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 expected during the warning period, and similar conditions "possible" during the watch period. Caught in a sweltering embrace, cities find themselves grappling with oppressive humidity that intensifies the already scorching temperatures.
For those not blessed with the refuge of air-conditioning, the weather poses a dangerous threat. With the mercury rising, officials are urging people to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors." Special warnings are also issued regarding leaving children and pets in vehicles, stating pointedly, "Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," as detailed by the NWS.
As the city faces another wave of extreme heat, people are urged to adjust their schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day. The forecast calls for more blistering heat, but also hints at possible showers and thunderstorms later in the week.
