107-Degree Heat Index To Scorch Northern Virginia: National Weather Service

VIRGINIA — The scorching temperatures to start September will continue as high temperatures on Wednesday prompted a heat advisory for Northern Virginia.

The National Weather Service issued the heat advisory for Northern Virginia and the greater Fredericksburg area from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday. The real-feel heat index will get up to 107, which is the result of high temperatures combined with high humidity.

DC's temperature is expected to be at or near 100 degrees with higher heat index values. Severe heat will continue Thursday as the National Weather Service predicts high temperatures near 97 degrees and heat index values up to 102 degrees.

The extreme heat continues after Labor Day brought record-breaking temperatures at all three of the D.C.-area’s airports. Reagan National Airport reached 98 degrees, while both Baltimore-Washington Airport and Dulles International Airport recorded highs of 99 degrees, WTOP reported. The old record for Reagan National was 96 degrees, set in 2019. The previous record at Dulles was 95 degrees and set in 1985.

By Friday, high temperatures should return to the low Fridays. The weekend will usher in high temperatures in the 80s.

During extreme heat, the National Weather Service recommends drinking plentiful fluids, staying in an air conditioned room, staying out of the sun, checking on relatives and neighbors and not leaving children or dogs alone in cars. For those working outside, it is recommended to move strenuous activities to the early morning or evening when possible and have frequent rest breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

The extreme heat causes a higher risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, cramps, or heat stroke. A heat-related illness can result from the body heating too quickly and not being able to properly cool itself or through dehydration or sweating. Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency warranting a 911 call. Symptoms of heat stroke include throbbing headache; confusion; nausea; dizziness; body temperature above 103 degrees; hot, red, dry or damp skin; rapid and strong pulse; or fainting.

Here is the DC forecast for the days ahead, according to the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 106. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 76.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 102. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Friday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a chance of showers after 2 a.m.

Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. At night, showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then showers likely between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. At night, showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.