D.C. area sizzles under record high of 104 degrees

July 6, 2010 - 3:55pm


WASHINGTON - The D.C. region is roasting under record-breaking temperatures of more than 100 degrees, high humidity and heat index values of more than 105 degrees.
Tuesday marks the first time the region has hit 100 degrees in July since 1999.

A new record high of 104 degrees was measured at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport early Tuesday afternoon, according to the ABC 7 First Alert Forecast.

The previous record was 101 degrees set in 1999.

The record for July 6 is 103 degrees at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and 102 degrees at Dulles International Airport.

A heat advisory is in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday.

"It will feel like 105-plus degrees through the afternoon," says ABC 7 Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff.

"Hunker down and find a cool spot. It's going to be rough."

In addition to a heat advisory, the air quality is a Code Orange and projected to be that through Thursday. The Metropolitan Council of Governments suggests seniors, adults with respiratory problems and young children limit their time outside.

The forecast calls for the lows to drop into the mid-70s and lower 80s overnight before more hazy, hot and humid weather returns.

Temperatures on Wednesday will climb near 100, with the heat index at 105 degrees or higher. Temperatures will remain in the lower 90s for the rest of the week.

For anyone without air conditioning, area cooling centers are open. Click here for their locations.

The heat wave on the East Coast could stress utilities as people return home.

Area utilities, including BGE, are asking people to conserve energy by setting the thermostat on your air conditioner higher. For more tips on how to conserve energy, click here.

Here are some tips to stay cool in the heat:


Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing;
Wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun;
Use sunscreen;
Drink lots of water. Remember that caffeinated beverages can increase the rate of water loss in your body, increasing your risk of heat exhaustion or stroke;
Hang out in the air conditioning or shade;
Don't leave children or pets in the car.
Too much time in the hot weather can make you sick. Here's some advice from the American Red Cross:

Signs of Heat Exhaustion


Normal body temperature;
May have cool, moist, pale or flushed skin;
Heavy sweating;
Headache;
Nausea or vomiting;
Dizziness;
Exhaustion.
What to do about heat exhaustion:

Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place.
Apply cool, wet cloths.
Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
Signs of Heat Stroke


Body temperature as high as 105 degrees;
Skin that's red and hot;
Changes in consciousness;
Rapid, weak pulse;
Rapid, shallow breathing.
What to do about heat stroke:

Help is needed fast.
Move the person to a cooler place.
Quickly cool the body.
Watch for signals of breathing problems.
Stay on top of the weather by visiting WTOP's Weather Center.

(Copyright 2010 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

WASHINGTON - The D.C. region is roasting under record-breaking temperatures of more than 100 degrees, high humidity and heat index values of more than 105 degrees.
Tuesday marks the first time the region has hit 100 degrees in July since 1999.

A new record high of 104 degrees was measured at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport early Tuesday afternoon, according to the ABC 7 First Alert Forecast.

The previous record was 101 degrees set in 1999.

The record for July 6 is 103 degrees at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and 102 degrees at Dulles International Airport.

A heat advisory is in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday.

"It will feel like 105-plus degrees through the afternoon," says ABC 7 Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff.

"Hunker down and find a cool spot. It's going to be rough."

In addition to a heat advisory, the air quality is a Code Orange and projected to be that through Thursday. The Metropolitan Council of Governments suggests seniors, adults with respiratory problems and young children limit their time outside.

The forecast calls for the lows to drop into the mid-70s and lower 80s overnight before more hazy, hot and humid weather returns.

Temperatures on Wednesday will climb near 100, with the heat index at 105 degrees or higher. Temperatures will remain in the lower 90s for the rest of the week.

For anyone without air conditioning, area cooling centers are open. Click here for their locations.

The heat wave on the East Coast could stress utilities as people return home.

Area utilities, including BGE, are asking people to conserve energy by setting the thermostat on your air conditioner higher. For more tips on how to conserve energy, click here.

Here are some tips to stay cool in the heat:


Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing;
Wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun;
Use sunscreen;
Drink lots of water. Remember that caffeinated beverages can increase the rate of water loss in your body, increasing your risk of heat exhaustion or stroke;
Hang out in the air conditioning or shade;
Don't leave children or pets in the car.
Too much time in the hot weather can make you sick. Here's some advice from the American Red Cross:

Signs of Heat Exhaustion


Normal body temperature;
May have cool, moist, pale or flushed skin;
Heavy sweating;
Headache;
Nausea or vomiting;
Dizziness;
Exhaustion.
What to do about heat exhaustion:

Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place.
Apply cool, wet cloths.
Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
Signs of Heat Stroke


Body temperature as high as 105 degrees;
Skin that's red and hot;
Changes in consciousness;
Rapid, weak pulse;
Rapid, shallow breathing.
What to do about heat stroke:

Help is needed fast.
Move the person to a cooler place.
Quickly cool the body.
Watch for signals of breathing problems.