Sweltering heat and humidity will keep a grip on the Washington, D.C., area through Wednesday, then expect rain during the Fourth of July weekend.
Many sought relief from the thick, sticky heat at a water park at Six Flags in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, on Tuesday.
Feels-like temperatures are set to hit the triple digits again Wednesday and could rise to 105° by the afternoon.
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The forecast has morning sunshine then increasing clouds in the afternoon. Storm Team4 is tracking a possible line of thunderstorms for Wednesday afternoon.
The D.C. area will get some relief from the heat as rain chances ramp up starting Thursday.
The heaviest rain is most likely Thursday afternoon and evening, but frequent showers will stick around Friday and part of Saturday.
Heat Emergency
The District declared a heat emergency through Wednesday.
Cooling centers are open in D.C. through Wednesday after officials implemented the District’s Heat Emergency Plan. Go here to find a list of the facilities.
D.C. opens cooling centers when the temperature or heat index is forecast to reach 95 degrees.
If you’re walking your dog, be aware of how hot asphalt gets. It takes only 60 seconds to burn a dog’s paws. With an 86 degree temperature, the asphalt reaches 135 degrees, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Lauryn Ricketts said.
Find other tips to cope with extreme heat online here.
Fourth of July Weekend Weather Forecast for DC Area
You’ll want to plan around rain in the forecast for Independence Day weekend, but temperatures will be much more friendly for outdoor activities.
Rain is likely in the nearby beaches as well. How long the rainy periods last will depend on how quickly a cold front moves through, Storm Team4 says.
On Friday, rain showers are likely to continue and could be heavy at times, then more wet weather is likely Saturday. Keep up with the forecast if you're traveling because there could be flood concerns.
Friday and Saturday are likely to stay in the 70s to about 80° thanks to the clouds and rain.
Rain chances will drop to 40% by July 4 and we’re expected to be dry in time for evening fireworks. It will not be hot: low 80s in the afternoon and 70s by sunset.
Stay with Storm Team4 and NBC Washington for more details on the forecast.
