Heat Wave Approaches Record Temperature

But relief may arrive in time for the weekend

We warned you Wednesday would be a hot one. We're warning you Thursday will be, too.

Temperatures approached the June 20 record of 99 degrees today -- falling one degree short.

A Hyperthermia Alert was activated at 10 a.m. due to extreme temperatures. It will be in effect again Thursday until 10 p.m.

As of 9 p.m. Wednesday, about 2,000 customers were without power in the Holbrook Terrace NE area, and Pepco believed heat was a contributing factor to the feeder line failure that caused it. In anticipation of the heat wave, Pepco increased crews.

In the event of extreme heat, you should take the following precautions:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible.
  • Limit exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when it is strongest.
  • Watch for symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Visit one of the District's "Cooling Centers" located throughout the city, if you do not have access to a cool-temperature location.
  • DO NOT leave children or pets in vehicles.
  • Drink plenty of water. Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
  • People with respiratory problems or illnesses should please stay indoors.
  • Regularly check on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness and those who are ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.

The air quality was at Code Orange Wednesday, so those with respiratory issues and the elderly were advised to stay indoors.

Thursday will see more of the same, with the June 21 record of 98 degrees in jeopardy, but the high pressure system won't be ushering a lengthy heat wave. With the humidity, the heat index will be 100-105 degrees.

The extreme heat temps should break in time for the weekend, though we can still expect highs in the upper 80s.

In the meantime, don't forget about your pets: Bring them in from outside, and keep plenty of water available. And check in on children and the elderly. Kierein adds that we're more susceptible to heat-related illnesses because we're just not acclimated to the heat yet.

It's only a matter of time before that happens, though.


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