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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Fourth of July is now under an extreme heat warning, the National Weather Service said Thursday, upgrading the holiday from a watch and extending the region's most dangerous stretch of heat through the weekend.
The heat was already punishing by midafternoon. As of 4 p.m. Thursday, it was 103 degrees in Alexandria with an AccuWeather RealFeel of 120, and the forecaster expected the day's high to reach about 105 under hazy sun. AccuWeather said the temperature could break a daily record of 101 degrees, last reached in 1898, with humid and dangerous conditions, especially for those without air conditioning.
The extreme heat warning is in effect each day from Thursday, July 2, through Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with heat index values that could reach 113. Air temperatures are forecast near 103 on both Friday and the Fourth, and overnight lows near 80 will offer little relief. The city warned that the conditions pose dangerous risks for anyone spending extended time outdoors, with the heat peaking in the afternoon and early evening.
There is at least a chance the heat could ease slightly on the holiday itself. The weather service puts the chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm at 60% after 2 p.m. Saturday, which could trim a few degrees off the afternoon high but also bring the risk of gusty storms.
Where to cool down
The city has opened cooling locations through the holiday weekend. Carpenter's Shelter, at 2355 A Mill Road, is open from 1 p.m. Thursday, July 2, through 7 a.m. Monday, July 6; for information, call 703-746-6551.
Two DASH cooling buses are in service: one at 417 King St., open from 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, through 4 p.m. Sunday, July 5; and one at South Van Dorn Street and Edsall Road, in the LA Mart parking lot, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
The Charles Houston Recreation Center, at 901 Wythe St., and the Patrick Henry Recreation Center, at 4653 Taney Ave., are open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday for residents seeking relief.
Several air-conditioned attractions also offer refuge. All Alexandria museums are open regular hours this weekend, with free admission for city residents. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, at 105 N. Union St., is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 3, and the Visitor Center, at 221 King St., is open over the weekend.
Know the warning signs
Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea and dizziness can signal heat exhaustion. A very high body temperature, confusion, hot and dry skin, a rapid pulse or loss of consciousness can indicate heat stroke, a medical emergency. Anyone with those symptoms should move to a cool place, rest and drink fluids; if heat stroke is suspected, call 911.
The weather service urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, check on relatives and neighbors, and never leave children or pets in parked cars, where interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.
For nonemergency questions about cooling locations or city services, residents can call 703-746-4311. The city is posting updates at alexandriava.gov/Alert.
