Another Hot, Stormy Evening on Tap

Just like Tuesday’s heat, Wednesday’s comes with the threat of severe thunderstorms.

The temperature has climbed into the 90s again, and the heat index is above 100, prompting another hyperthermia alert. And the excessive heat warning doesn’t kick in until noon tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service reported strong thunderstorms could hit D.C.; Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert and Prince George’s counties in Maryland; and Culpeper, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties in Virginia.

Before 3 p.m., radar indicated a storm capable of producing wind gust up to 40 mph and heavy rains that could cause ponding on roads and fill ditches in stream 13 miles west of Culpeper and moving southeast at 10 mph. Another storm also capable of producing heavy rain was detected over Coral Hills and moving southeast at 5 mph.

While rain might offer some relief from the heat today, there’s no such break in the forecast for the coming days. Highs around 100 degrees and heat indexes higher than that -- potentially up to 115 -- are in the forecast for Thursday and Friday.

Stay indoors if you can, but if you have to go out, keep your physical activity to a minimum.

Power companies are preparing to deal with outages. Pepco and Baltimore Gas & Electric say the region's power supply is expected to be enough to meet demand, but the utilities are advising customers to take steps to save energy. Pepco and BGE are staffing to quickly address any equipment issues that may arise from heat or potential storms resulting from the heat.

  • Set air-conditioning thermostats at 78 degrees and use an electric fan, which doesn’t require as much energy, and the air will seem cooler without sacrificing comfort.
  • Keep window shades, blinds, or drapes closed to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day and retain cooler air inside your home or business.
  • Limit the use of electrically heated water and turn off non-essential appliances and as many lights as possible.
  • Limit opening refrigerator or freezer doors.
  • Postpone using high-energy appliances like electric stoves, washing machines, dishwashers and dryers until the evening.

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