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Weather Alert: Afternoon Storms Amid Dangerously Hot Temperatures

The hottest days come this weekend, when heat index values could reach 110-115 degrees

What to Know

  • Thursday is set to be the eighth day in a row with temperatures in the 90s, and the heat index will be around 100 degrees
  • Storms capable of downing trees and power lines are possible Thursday afternoon and evening
  • The misery factor ramps up this weekend. An excessive heat watch goes into effect Friday for heat index temps as high as 110-115 degrees

The D.C. area is in for an eighth day in a row of temperatures in the 90s followed by another round of rain weather Thursday afternoon.

Thursday will be almost as hot as Wednesday with highs in the low to mid-90s and heat index values around 100 degrees.

Storm Team4 has declared a weather alert.

The final pool of moisture associated with what was Hurricane Barry will bring D.C. one last chance for thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, one day after heavy wind and rain downed trees and snapped power lines in the region. Overall, there's a 60% chance of rain.

An excessive heat watch will be in effect for the D.C. area from Friday morning to Sunday evening as forecasters anticipate heat index values up to 110-115 degrees.

Friday kicks off three days of summer misery. Friday afternoon will be hazy, hot and ridiculously humid. High temperatures will reach the mid- to upper 90s with heat index values getting close to 110 degrees.

This heat wave will peak on Saturday afternoon with highs around 100 degrees and heat index values again hovering around 110 degrees.

Sunday will also be dangerously hot and humid and strong storms are likely to fire up later in the afternoon and evening. Highs will be near 100 degrees with a heat index around 104-109 degrees before the storms get going in the evening.

Heat is the top weather-related killer in the U.S. The Maryland Department of Health says four people died this month from heat-related causes. Storm Team4 has this advice for staying cool and safe during this heat wave:

  • Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing
  • Stay hydrated
  • Stay in the shade or air conditioning as much as possible
  • Check on elderly or infirm friends and neighbors to insure they are staying cool
  • Make sure outdoor pets are either brought inside or at least have ample shade and fresh water
  • Never leave kids or pets unattended in a car on a hot day. Temperatures can quickly reach dangerous levels

Monday is the beginning of the end for this heat wave, but it will still be hot and stormy.

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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser activated the District's Heat Emergency Plan earlier this week.

Those in need of a place to cool down are encouraged to visit any library or recreation center during their normal business hours, or the Adams Place Day Center (2210 Adams Place NE). See a map of D.C.'s cooling centers here.

Prince George's County has opened twelve cooling centers. Here's a list.

A hyperthermia hotline is available at 202-399-7093 for anyone seeking transportation to a cooling center for a resident experiencing homelessness, officials said.

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