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‘You’re going to sweat almost instantly’: Heat wave zeroes in on DC region

It’s officially summer and the D.C. region’s first heat wave is forecast to start on Sunday, just days after damaging storms toppled trees onto homes and cars in the area. Temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees next week, but the humidity will make it feel even hotter. “We’re going to get progressively hotter Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, even into Thursday of next week,” said 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin. A heat wave is defined by the National Weather Service as a period of abnormally hot and humid weather that lasts more than two days. The peak of the heat wave will come Monday and Tuesday, with heat index values as high as 105 to 110 degrees. Dew point levels, or the measure of moisture in the air, are going to be well into the 70s. “That’s when it feels really swampy and sticky and really uncomfortable,” Rudin said. “Because it’s so humid and so sticky, you’re going to sweat almost instantly once you get outside.” Making matters worse, residents across the D.C. region aren’t expected to even get much relief from the humidity by the time the sun goes down.

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“It’s still going to be incredibly uncomfortable,” Rudin said. “It’s not going to be very windy. The air is going to be fairly stagnant, and we’ll also be looking at some hazy conditions.”

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It’s likely parts of the D.C. region will see heat advisories and excessive heat alerts. Some safety measures to keep in mind include minimizing direct sun exposure, reducing strenuous activities, wearing light clothing and drinking plenty of water, according to the National Weather Service.



FORECAST

FRIDAY: Mostly sunny, less humid Highs: 83-88 Winds: West 5-10 mph The summer solstice occurs at 10:41 p.m. marking the longest amount of daylight all year. Stellar summer weather is expected to kick off the season with sunshine, seasonably warm highs in the 80s, and lower humidity. Enjoy it because an intense heat wave will build heading into the weekend.FRIDAY NIGHT: Scattered clouds Lows: 60s Winds: Calm Nice weather continues into the overnight with a few passing clouds and temperatures in the 60s.SATURDAY: Sunny and hot Highs: 90-95 Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph Sunny and getting hot. Humidity will be on the increase as the day progresses.SUNDAY: HEAT ALERT Mostly sunny, hot Highs: 93-98 Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph Heat and humidity will continue to build across the DMV Sunday with highs well into the 90s and feels like at or above 100 at times.MONDAY: HEAT ALERT Mostly sunny, hot Highs: 95-100 Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph Sizzling hot temperatures an oppressive humidity may bring active heat alerts from the National Weather Service.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

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Hot, humid week ahead for DC area with severe storm risk

A dangerous heat wave will grip the D.C. area through Thursday, with highs in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values between 100 and 105. Hot and humid conditions are expected through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, which said to expect daily thunderstorm chances and a risk of severe thunderstorms. 7News Meteorologist Eileen Whelan told WTOP that most of Tuesday will stay dry, but a few late-day thunderstorms are possible, especially north and east of D.C. as storms drift south from Pennsylvania. Any storm could produce damaging wind gusts and hail, but Whelan reiterated "storm chances are low" on Tuesday. Due to a lack of air conditioning, Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland, closed early at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Prince George's County Public Schools said in a social media post.
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