Heat Wave to Intensify for a Day

If you thought Monday was unbearably hot and humid, brace for Tuesday.

With high temperatures around 100 degrees (the record for July 12 is 99 degrees) and the heat index possibly reaching 105 degrees or greater, a National Weather heat advisory will be in effect from noon until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Monday already saw some of the highest heat indexes of the summer so far with a high of 95 degrees and a dew point of 75.

The dew point won’t be as high Tuesday, but that heat index could climb even higher, NBC Washington Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer reported.

Heat illnesses will be possible Tuesday. People should drink plenty of fluids, avoid the sun, stay in air-conditioning, and check on relatives and neighbors. Strenuous activities should be reserved for the morning and evening, and people should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Those who work outside should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned locations.

Tuesday also will be a code orange day for poor air quality.

While thunderstorms swept through the area Monday evening and cooled things off a bit, don’t expect relief from the heat Tuesday. Any showers or storms will move through overnight.

Relief is near, though. A cold front will move in, meaning lower temperatures and humidity Wednesday and through the rest of the week, Kammerer said.


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