Dangerous heat increases this weekend – NBC4 Washington

Friday was the hottest day of the year so far, and Saturday and Sunday will be even hotter as the heat wave continues to batter the DMV.

A heat warning is in effect for the Washington DC area from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and Storm Team4 expects another warning to be issued on Sunday as the heat index could rise even further then.

Saturday morning will start humid and 24 degrees, with the heat index rising to 38 degrees by midday. The maximum temperature could reach 37 degrees, with the heat index at 40 degrees.

Sunday will start at around 27 degrees Celsius and could reach 37 degrees again with a heat index of 41 degrees Celsius, which would be a record for June 23.

Scattered thunderstorms are possible over the weekend – and they could be severe – but most of the region will remain dry. Storm Team4 is forecasting a 20% chance of rain for Saturday, 30% for Sunday and 40% for Monday.

The region could really use the rain. It is unusually dry and parts of Virginia are even experiencing moderate droughts.

Cancellations due to extreme heat

Due to the high temperatures on the tracks, subway trains are running slower above ground and some events have been cancelled.

Montgomery County has closed some outdoor activities, such as the train at Cabin John Park.

The DMV is suffering from extreme heat that is causing events to be canceled and trains to run slower. News4’s Aimee Cho reports on how people are keeping cool.

Alexandria has cancelled the Portside Festival in the Old Town on Saturday.

Arlington has canceled all recreational programs in outdoor parks from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

How to stay cool and safe

Stay hydrated. Drink water, not alcohol or sugary drinks. Take breaks in the shade and stay in air-conditioned rooms as often as possible. Wear light, breathable clothing that protects you from the sun.

In response to the worsening heat wave, Mayor Muriel Bowser has extended the heat emergency through the weekend and into next week. Residents can find the nearest cooling centers here.

Anyone who is homeless or knows someone who is homeless can call the homeless shelter hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311 for free and easily accessible transportation to a cooling center.

If an animal is exposed to heat or trapped in a hot vehicle, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-723-5730.

Signs of heat-related illnesses

In hot climates, heat-related illness is a serious risk with severe consequences. Knowing the signs and types of heat-related illness can make all the difference.

Heat cramps can sometimes be the first sign of a more serious heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, according to the National Weather Service. Symptoms include painful cramps or spasms and can be treated by applying firm pressure to the muscle. As long as the person is not nauseous, they can also be given water.

If symptoms persist for more than an hour, worsen, or the person vomits, seek medical attention.

Heat exhaustion is characterized by a variety of symptoms:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or tiredness
• Cool, pale, moist skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps
• dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• powerlessness

If these symptoms persist for more than an hour, worsen, or vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention, the National Weather Service recommends.

Move the person to a cooler place, loosen their clothing, offer them small sips of water and apply cool, damp cloths or have them sit in a cool bath.

heatstroke is always a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated quickly. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 or take the person to the hospital, the National Weather Service said.

In the meantime, try to lower your pet’s body temperature with cool, wet towels or a bath. You can also use a fan, but only if the heat index is below 90 degrees, otherwise it may do more harm than good.

Symptoms are not much different from heat stroke and may include:

• Headache
• confusion
• Nausea
• dizziness
• Body temperature over 103 degrees
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Fast and strong pulse
• Fainting or unconsciousness.

To prevent heat-related illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends spending time in air-conditioned spaces, either at home or in an air-conditioned public place. Wear loose-fitting clothing and take cool showers and baths. Using the heater less often can also help keep your home cooler.

They also stressed that outdoor activities should be planned with caution, limiting them to the coolest times, such as mornings and evenings, and providing opportunities to rest in the shade.

For the safety of pets and owners, pets should stay indoors. If walks are necessary, they should be done early in the morning with plenty of water breaks.

Never leave children or pets unattended in the vehicle.

It’s also important to be aware of the danger posed by hot vehicles. Within 10 minutes, the temperature inside the car can be 19 degrees warmer than outside, said Storm Team4 meteorologist Jessica Faith. With temperatures in the 90s, temperatures inside the vehicle can be over 100 degrees.

Opening a window does not help against the heat.

Staying in an overheated car can be fatal. Children or pets are often the victims.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29 children died of heat stroke in vehicles in 2023.

It only takes 15 minutes for an animal in a vehicle to suffer or die from heat-related illness.

Make sure car doors are locked and keys are kept out of reach of children so they cannot get in themselves. Always lock the doors and check the back seats after leaving the car.