Father's Day

Heat Index Hit 98° in DC, 107° in Parts of Virginia

After a sweltering start to the week, storms are in the forecast

The heat index reached 95 to 107 degrees in the D.C. area Monday, and the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory.

Temperatures were set to reach the mid-90s but feel even hotter with the humidity. 

As of 5 p.m., the heat index hit 98 in D.C., Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper said. In Gaithersburg, it was even hotter, at 102. In Leesburg, it was an astounding 107, with the heat index. 

Storm Team4 declared a Weather Alert Day for Monday.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser activated the District's Heat Emergency Plan at midday Monday. Cooling centers in the District are available at publicly accessible government facilities, homeless shelters and senior centers until 6 p.m. or until it has been deemed safe to be outdoors.

Anyone needing transportation to a D.C. cooling center should call the hyperthermia hotline at 202-399-7093. The District has an interactive map of cooling centers here.

Road Trip! 10 Places to Cool Off Within 100 Miles of DC

In Virginia, Prince William County's drop-in center (14716 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge) will be open Monday and Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. 

In Maryland, Prince George's County and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency suggest visiting public buildings such as libraries, community centers or senior activity centers, or indoor malls, food courts or movie theaters.

Charles County shared a list of available cooling centers.

Rockville has cooling centers available at Lincoln Park Community Center (357 Frederick Ave.), Rockville Senior Center (1150 Carnation Drive), Thomas Farm Community Center (700 Fallsgrove Drive) and Twinbrook Community Recreation Center (12920 Twinbrook Parkway).

The day was set to be mostly sunny. Due to the heat and stagnant air pattern, an air quality alert was issued for those sensitive to extreme weather. Stay indoors as much as possible.

Here's how you can stay safe and be a bit more comfortable:

  • Wear light and loose clothing
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine
  • Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
  • Avoid hot and heavy meals
  • If you're working outside, try to take a break and go inside every 45 minutes to an hour, said Dr. Robert Schesser of George Washington University
Get ready to sweat! It will feel anywhere from 100-105 degree this weekend. Here are some ways to stay safe during a heat wave.

Monday won't be the end of the heat. Tuesday is set to be nearly as hot, with a high of 90. Chances of storms begin Tuesday afternoon and evening. The greatest chance for severe weather is south of D.C. in Fredericksburg and Stafford County. The chance of storms lowers on Wednesday and is set to be partly sunny. Thursday should be dry.

Wednesday and Thursday are expected to have highs in the mid to upper 80s. Friday is expected to be in the low 80s. 

Then, showers are possible this weekend. 

"It doesn't look like it's going to be a washout. It's not going to be raining all the time, but we do have those rain chances in the forecast," Storm Team4 Meteorologist Lauryn Ricketts said. 

There are a few ways to try to stay more comfortable, though.
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