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This story was originally published at 4:06 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. It was updated with the latest forecast and weather warnings at 6:25 a.m. on Friday, July 3.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Alexandria's dangerous heat will persist through the Fourth of July, with the National Weather Service keeping an extreme heat warning in effect for Friday and Saturday.
The warning runs each day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with heat index values of 110 to 113 expected. Friday is forecast to be the peak, with an air temperature near 102 and a heat index as high as 113. The Fourth will bring more of the same, with a high near 102 and a heat index up to 111. Overnight lows near 82 will offer little relief.
Forecasters warn the conditions are dangerous for anyone spending extended time outdoors, with heat-related illness a growing risk in the afternoon and early evening. A chance of showers and thunderstorms — about 30% after 3 p.m. Saturday — could bring some relief on the holiday, but also the risk of gusty storms.
Where to cool down
The city has cooling locations open through the holiday weekend. Carpenter's Shelter, at 2355 A Mill Road, is open 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 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. 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. Friday, 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.
