Community Corner

NWS: Get Ready for a Heat Wave This Week in Northern Virginia

Temperatures will soar up to 90 degrees and above, coupled with high humidity.

Mary Ann Barton, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

After enjoying gorgeous weather over the weekend, get ready for a heat blast this week, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS predicts Northern Virginia will see temperatures soar into the mid-90s by Wednesday. The Capital Weather Gang says to prepare for "the hottest weather since last July."

Starting today (Monday), Northern Virginia will see temperatures hit either close to the 90 degree mark or pass it. Wednesday is expected to be the worst of it, with temperatures feeling like 100 degrees due to high humidity.

With the hot temperatures, be on the lookout this week for a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings, the NWS says.

You can cool off by hitting the local swimming pools; just check online under your city or county's parks and recreation department Web site for pool hours and locations.

Feel like you're going to wilt? Be careful. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures or not drinking enough fluids. According to the CDC, symptoms vary, but may include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Paleness
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fainting
  • Skin: may be cool and moist
  • Pulse rate: fast and weak

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. According to the CDC, symptoms vary but include:

  • An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
  • Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Throbbing headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
If you experience these symptoms, you should head to the nearest emergency room, according to the CDC.

If you need to find a place to cool off, try the nearest indoor shopping mall or a local library.

If you or someone you know needs assistance keeping cool at home, here are a few options:
Don't forget about your pet. Never leave them in the car; even on a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes, according to PETA.

Here are tips from the Humane Society on keeping your pets cool in warm temperatures.

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

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Falls Church