As Washingtonians are experiencing dangerous levels of heat, the National Weather Service (NWS) has announced that excessive heat warning would remain in effect until 9:00 p.m. EDT on July 21.
Heat index values are around 110 “due to temperatures in the upper 90s, and dewpoints in the lower 70s,” according to the NWS. The Service noted that such high temperatures combined with humidity may cause abrupt heat stress or heat stroke.
“Excessive Heat Warning” means that a lengthy period of dangerously high temperatures will take place. The NWS is recommending D.C. residents to check in on relatives and neighbors.
Those who are required to work or spend time outside are advised to take additional precautions. “When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening,” the warning said, adding that signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke should be monitored.
7/21 (3:13pm) the District’s Heat Emergency Plan will CONTINUE TO BE ACTIVATED until 9:00am on Tuesday, July 23.
To find a cooling center near you, visit https://t.co/iArFt3CLYG#StayCoolDC https://t.co/tfeU4FZeFd
— DC Homeland Security & Emergency Management (@DC_HSEMA) July 21, 2019
Wearing light weight and loose fitting clothes is also recommended, along with drinking as much water as possible.
In order to reduce risk while working outdoors, you should schedule frequent rest breaksin shaded or air conditioned environments. Individuals affected by the extreme heat should be moved to a cool and shaded spot. For heat stroke seems to be an emergency, you can call 911.
Cooling centers for residents and the homeless will be open until 6:00 p.m. Here is a map of cooling centers in D.C.
Individual thunderstorms may bring lightning and damaging winds Sunday evening. The temperatures are expected to drop down to 80s on Monday and Tuesday, which will last for the rest of the week.
Being from southern Utah, I am used to extreme heat. This DC heat is hitting differently. I am MELTING! pic.twitter.com/7HYv29UUAU
— Savannah Behrmann (@SavBehrmannDC) July 21, 2019