Central Virginia Weather - Extreme Heat 6/23-6/27

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for much of Central Virginia, effective from 10am Monday June 23rd through 8pm Wednesday June 25th. The NWS recently streamlined its heat and cold warnings for the sake of simplicity, and this corresponds to what used to be known as an “Excessive Heat Warning”.

What does this mean? Simply put, it’s going to be so hot that the heat could have significant impacts to your health if you’re out in it for too long. In this case, tomorrow through Wednesday, air temperatures will be pushing 100°, with high humidity pushing heat index values as high as 110-115°. It’s very early in the year for the region to see such hot temperatures, which are more common in late July or early August.

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, the dreaded “heat dome” of high pressure is situating itself over the eastern United States, trapping hot, tropical air over the region and making it difficult for fronts to move through and provide relief. Instead, those fronts get deflected to the north, keeping the cooler air out of the region. These high pressure areas do eventually break down, but it’s going to take a while - most of the models keep it in place through at least Friday. As a result, the only relief we’re going to get will be from isolated pop-up thunderstorms that could flare up in the afternoons. Low temperatures will be around 80°, which won’t provide much relief at night since the heat index will still be close to 90°.

Some record highs will be under threat on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and possibly Thursday. Here’s a table of forecast highs, forecast high heat index values, and record highs for Richmond (the forecast highs are pretty much likely to be similar across much of central Virginia from Lynchburg eastward to the coast):

*All-time record high for the month of June

It’s important to be safe in extremely hot conditions. You should do the following:

• STAY HYDRATED! This is paramount - if you have to be out in the heat, the high humidity means you’re going to do a lot of sweating, and that sweat isn’t going to evaporate to cool your body down. Staying hydrated will replenish your body’s fluids and help keep cool. Avoid overly strenuous activities.

• If you must be outdoors, listen to your body. If you feel nauseous, dizzy, or faint, seek medical attention immediately! If you’re working, take frequent breaks in the shade and hydrate.

• Stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you don’t have air conditioning, try to find a place that does. If you can’t or if you lose power, you can do things like close curtains or blinds, wear light clothing, or stay on the lowest floor of your building (heat rises). Taking a cold shower or bath can also help lower your body temperature.

• Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Your pets can get heat-related illness just like you can! They should also stay hydrated.

• Check on your family members or neighbors. Make sure they’re safe and staying cool!

• NEVER, EVER, EVER leave children or pets in a closed car. Even when it isn’t hot, a closed car in direct sunlight will heat up fast - even if it’s only 80° outside, the inside of the car can reach as high as 120-125°. Look before you lock!