The hottest weather of the year has arrived in Alexandria.
The National Weather Service upgraded the earlier watch to an Extreme Heat Warning for Alexandria and other parts of the D.C. region from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The real-feel heat index could reach 111 degrees Thursday and 112 Friday.
The Capital Weather forecasters expect the scorching weather to continue through July 4 as temperatures could top 100 degrees. The heat index is forecast to be higher as a combination of high temperatures and humidity.
The City of Alexandria will provide the following cooling centers:
- Carpenter’s Shelter, 2355 A Mill Rd., will be open for those needing a safe, cool place. The Shelter will be open Thursday, July 2, at 1 p.m. through Monday, July 6 at 7 a.m. For more information, call 703.746.6551.
- Another DASH Cooling Bus is open at S Van Dorn & Edsall Rd in the LA Mart Parking Lot from Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- DASH Cooling Bus, King Street near City Hall (in front of 417 King St.), Wednesday, July 1 starting at 8:30 a.m. through Sunday, July 5 at 4 p.m.
- Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
- Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
- All Alexandria Museums will be open during their regular hours this weekend. Admission is free for Alexandria residents. You can get out of the heat and learn more about the City’s history!
- The free, air-conditioned Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 3. Enjoy three floors of artist studios and stay out of the sun!
- The Visitors Center, 221 King Street, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. a great way to find things to do indoors while cooling off.
More from the National Weather Service:
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 1:32PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
EXTREME HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. TO 8 P.M. EDT FRIDAY.
* WHAT…For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 107. For the first Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 111 expected. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 112 expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, north central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central, northern, and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…For the Heat Advisory, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the first Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. For the second Extreme Heat Warning, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday.
* IMPACTS…Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
