High Temperature Hits 105

Temperatures soared into the triple digits Saturday as the heat wave that has baked the region for more than a week reached its climax.

As of 5:00 p.m. Saturday, the high temperature at Reagan National Airport was 105 degrees, with a heat index measurement of 104. At 3:30 p.m., according to Storm4 meteorologist Doug Kammerer, the heat index was at 106. According to Storm4 meteorologist Chuck Bell, this was only the sixth time that the region has seen temperatures of 105 degrees since records began to be kept in 1874. The temperature has only reached 106 degrees on two other occasions, making Saturday one of the 10 hottest days in the past 138 years.

The previous record for Saturday's date was 102 degrees, set in 2010.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported 10 confirmed heat-related deaths in the state since Monday. In eight of the ten cases, the victim was 65 years of age or older, and all of the victims were at least 45 years old.

No statistics were immediately available for the District of Columbia or Virginia.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the region, which will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday evening. Residents are encouraged to stay out of the sun, preferably in an air-conditioned room, and to drink plenty of fluids.

If it is necessary to go outside, residents are advised to avoid any strenuous activities or exercise. If that is not possible, such activities should be postponed until early evening and be punctuated by frequent rest breaks.