Whew! Highs in the 90s Sunday

Want relief from the heat? How about a high of 97 Sunday?

After a July 23 record high of 102 degrees Saturday, high temperatures are only expected to reach the high 90s Sunday, with a heat index up to 105 – which means another heat advisory is in effect from noon until 8 p.m. Sunday. A hyperthermia alert also is in effect.

The area also tied all-time record high overnight low Saturday of 84 and tied it again Sunday. We have not been below 80 degrees since Thursday morning and could break a record for longest time over 80 degrees.

There’s a 40 percent chance of storms, potentially severe, Sunday afternoon and evening.

Air quality is an issue again Sunday, and a Code Orange alert has been issued, meaning that air pollution concentrations may become healthy for sensitive people, including children, the elderly, and those with asthma, heart disease or lung diseases. Avoid strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.

There’s a better chance of rain Monday, when a new front moves in. Expect a high of 93 degrees.

This July is only coming in at 0.3 degrees cooler than July 2010, which was the hottest month on record for the area.

Due to the excessive heat, Metro has lifted the ban on drinking in stations on on trains -- as long as it's only bottled water.

Power companies said they prepared to deal with outages. Pepco and Baltimore Gas & Electric said the region's power supply was expected to be enough to meet demand, but the utilities advised 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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