Washington, D.C. is waking up Thursday, July 2, to oppressive heat, with highs forecast near 102°F and conditions that could feel like the low 110s at times. Skies are mostly clear this morning and there will be little overnight relief, as urban lows are expected to hold around the low 80s. If you can, plan to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the late-morning through early-evening heat window, when simply walking a few blocks may feel like a workout.
Heat And Short-Term Outlook
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for D.C. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026, and again from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 3. Forecast highs are near 102–103°F with heat-index values potentially topping 110–113°F. Winds will be light, generally only a few miles per hour, so natural cooling will be minimal during the hottest hours. Thunderstorm chances are low today but rise Friday afternoon and especially into Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, when scattered storms could become more numerous and produce strong, damaging gusts, according to the National Weather Service.
Independence Day Weekend Risks
Independence Day plans on Saturday, July 4, could be complicated by scattered afternoon storms and continued oppressive heat. Coverage and intensity of storms should increase Saturday into Sunday, July 5. Even when storms only "pop up," they can bring sudden heavy downpours and strong wind gusts that may produce hazardous conditions for outdoor gatherings. If you have parades, barbecues or fireworks on the agenda, keep an eye on updated forecasts and be ready to pause, move indoors or reschedule if storms flare.
Stay Safe And Where To Go
Drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned space when possible, and check on older neighbors, young children and anyone without reliable cooling. Never leave people or pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes. If you need relief, the District maintains a list and interactive map of public cooling centers and other heat resources. For locations and tips, see the District's cooling centers page.
