Community Corner

Weekend Heat Advisories

The National Weather Service forecasts excessive heat for our area this weekend.

More than 1,000 heat records in the United States have been broken within the last seven days, said Brian Williams on NBC Nightly News on Thursday.  That heat wave is heading east.

The National Weather Service has issued an for Excessive Heat Watch, Heat Advisory and Hazardous Weather Outlook for Northern Virginia through the weekend.

Friday's temperatures are predicted to range in the upper 90s to 100 degrees, with a heat index of 105.  A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.  There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 and 11 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Saturday is predicted to be mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99, and heat index values as high as 106.  There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m.

The heat continues Sunday, with a high near 97, and a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cooling and hydration are important to health and safety during intense heat. Doctors recommend drinking water before leaving the house and before feeling thirsty, in order to keep the body hydrated, which aids the body in cooling itself.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes these additional recommendations to prevent heat-related illnesses and even death.

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
  • Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
  • Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
  • Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
  • Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
  • Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
  • Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.


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