Weather Alert: DC Feels Like Dangerous 104 Degrees
Storm Team4 declared Thursday a Weather Alert Day
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Storm Team4 has the forecast for July 13, 2017.
Blazing sun and oppressive humidity sent the heat index soaring to dangerous levels Thursday, Storm Team4 said.
Thursday's high reached the mid-90s. With the humidity, the heat index reached 106 degrees Thursday afternoon. It was 104 in D.C. at 4 p.m.
"The heat index tells you how it feels outside in the shade," the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says on its website. "The heat index is a measurement of how it feels when relative humidity is combined with the effects of the air temperature."
Storm Team4 declared Thursday a Weather Alert Day.
A heat advisory went into effect for the I-95 corridor to the east at noon Thursday, Storm Team4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said.
Strong storms are also possible Thursday evening.
With heat indices this high, you can get a sunburn in just 10 minutes, Storm Team meteorologist Sheena Parveen said.
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
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The water adventures at Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags America (13710 Central Ave., Upper Marlboro, Maryland) range from beginner-friendly to... intimidating. Case in point: On the 132-foot funnel known as the Tornado, all you have to cling to is a four-person raft! (Good luck not screaming). You'll also find a huge variety of slides, a water park version of a half-pipe, a lazy river and a "beach." DISTANCE: 16 miles from downtown D.C.
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Looking for outdoor adventures? Take a quick drive to the Harpers Ferry area, where you can enjoy a variety of expeditions with Harpers Ferry Adventure Center or River & Trail Outfitters, including rafting, tubing, canoeing or kayaking. Each river trip is led by trained guides. DISTANCE: 68 miles from downtown D.C.
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Have you tried stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) yet? It's a challenging but fun combination of canoeing, kayaking and surfing, and it comes with the chance to build your balance skills, too. At Black Dog Paddle, which has locations in Richmond, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg and more, you can enjoy a scenic river paddle while getting a pretty good workout as well. Call 804-57-STAND to check on dates, times and rates. DISTANCE: A bit further away than we'd promised -- roughly 125 miles from downtown D.C., depending on the location you pick. If you need closer-in SUP'ing, try the Key Bridge Boathouse.
SplashDown
SplashDown Waterpark (7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive, Manassas, Virginia) is home to a 770-foot lazy river, a sand beach, a lily pad and log walk, two fast cannonball slides, two four-story slides and more. DISTANCE: 35 miles from downtown D.C.
Cameron Run
When was the last time you bodysurfed on a massive wave? If "never" was your answer, the Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park (4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, Virginia) may be the place to go. You'll also find speed slides, a wave pool, batting cages, fishing, miniature golf and a kids' zone. DISTANCE: 15 miles from downtown D.C.
Megan McGrath, NBC4
Enjoy a refreshing sea breeze not far from home at Chesapeake Beach (Maryland's western shore). Stroll the the boardwalk, enjoy the beach or check out the Chesapeake Beach Water Park. At the end of your day, stop by a roadside market for fresh fruits and veggies on the way home. DISTANCE: 35 miles from downtown D.C.
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Soak City at Kings Dominion (16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, Virginia) is a great option for a day or weekend trip when it's way too hot to hit the coasters. You'll find more than a dozen water activities, including a wave pool, slides, and a massive water playground that's still fun when you're a grownup. DISTANCE: 75 miles from downtown D.C.
Bohrer Park
Bohrer Park (512 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Maryland) offers a variety of slides -- including one that's an impressive 250 feet long -- and a main pool with activity areas. The kids' area offers plenty of shallow-water fun and a "raindrop" water umbrella. DISTANCE: 28 miles from downtown D.C.
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Want to skip the water parks? Go canoeing, tubing or kayaking with Shenandoah River Outfitters instead, and stay cool in a (mostly) shaded setting in Luray, Virginia, which offers campgrounds and cabin rentals if you'd like to spend a weekend away. DISTANCE: 100 miles from downtown D.C.
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When is a five-hour hike in the summer OK? When there's plenty of waterfalls and natural pools to cool you off. Get your workout in at White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run (Etlan, Virginia). See a PDF map from the National Park Service here.DISTANCE: 90 miles from downtown D.C.
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Didn't see your fave spot listed? Look for it in our other galleries: n• Top 10 Beaches n• 10 Places to Swim If You Want to Avoid Bay Bridge Traffic n• Top 10 Day Trips n• Top 10 Virginia Getaways n• Top 10 Maryland Getaways n• Top 10 Weekend Getaways
But there is some good news: The temperature is expected to drop slightly Friday, and fall into the 80s over the weekend. Storm Team4 declared Friday a Weather Alert Day as strong storms are likely.
Until then, here are some ways to avoid heat-related illnesses:
Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks that have a lot of caffeine or large amounts of sugar.
Keep cool indoors.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and apply sunscreen.
Avoid excessive physical activity, especially midday.
