Memorial Day was hot and humid. Tuesday is more of the same.
A heat advisory that took effect at high noon Monday for the Washington area expires at 8 p.m. Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued an alert warning that temperatures in the mid-90s plus humidity would push the heat index past 100 on Monday and Tuesday. That means heat-related illnesses are possible.
Expect highs in the mid-90s Tuesday with the heat index again between 100 and 105, Kammerer said.
Rain, including some possible nasty storms, could bring relief from the heat wave Wedensday. Expect a high temperature around 89 degrees Thursday and nice weather with highs in the 80s Friday, Kammerer said.
Because of the heat and unhealthy air quality, trash and recycling collection in D.C. began an hour early at 6 a.m. Tuesday. It will begin an hour early again Wednesday. Residents can put their trash and recyclables out tonight beginning at 6 p.m. so they don't have to get up earlier in the morning to do so. In order to avoid environmental issues and to protect crew members' health, collection will follow this schedule throughout the season when the temperature is predicted to reach 90 or unhealthy air quality is announced.
Those without air-conditioning should plan to spend at least parts of the day in cool public places like shopping malls, museums and theaters. Also conisder spending time at local public pools. D.C.'s opened Friday. People should also wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Check on the elderly, infants and those with chronic illnesses. They are more susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Pets also need protection from dehydration and heat illnesses.
D.C. officials warns that even with rising temperatures, residents should not open hydrants on their own. Open fire hydrants can lower water pressure and affect firefighting. The practice can also draw $100 city fines.
The Washington Humane Society offered the following tips to keep pets safe during the current heat advisory and upcoming warm summer months:
- Keep pets indoors in air-conditioned environments or near fanned areas.
- Make sure pets have access to shade and plenty of cool drinking water.
- Walk or exercise pets in the early mornings and evenings to minimize exposure to the heat.
- Leave pets at home in a controlled-temperature environment whenever possible. Pets are often much safer and more comfortable indoors than in vehicles and at outdoor summer events.
- Never leave pets closed in a hot vehicle. It’s the law. And even with the windows cracked, it can heat up to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes.
The average temperature for May 30 is 80 degrees. On Monday, we saw highs of 96, 2 degrees below the record, NBC Washington meteorologist Doug Kammerer said. At Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the record of 98 degrees was tied.
At the Memorial Day Parade, D.C. Fire and EMS set up a cooling center with a misting tent at 18th Street and Constitution Avenue. Dozens of people were treated for heat-related issues there and at Nationals Park, where the Nats played the Philadelphia Phillies. As of about 4:30 p.m., six people had been taken to area hospitals from each location.
Late Monday afternoon, Prince George's County Fire and Rescue said it had seen about a 20 percent increase in heat-related calls.
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