Summer began Thursday, and Washington, D.C., is preparing for a sizzling first weekend of the season, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 100 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Washington, D.C., and surrounding parts of Maryland and Virginia, for much of Saturday. Temperatures are currently forecast to be in the high 90s and low 100s, with the heat index over 105 degrees.
The temperatures Saturday into Sunday are expected to be a crescendo of a heat wave currently affecting the greater Washington, D.C., area this week. Temperatures are expected to slightly dip starting next week. The conditions expected this weekend have been described as “oppressive heat” by the National Weather Service.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office announced Friday that the Extended Heat Emergency issued earlier this week would remain in effect through next week, in light of the forecast.
“With temperatures forecast to hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday and Sunday, residents and visitors are encouraged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses and to check on neighbors. Those without air conditioning are urged to seek relief in air-conditioned buildings and cooling centers,” the mayor’s office said.
The mayor’s office has said cooling centers will be open in the district and that residents and visitors should limit time outside and drink plenty of fluids.
The heat is also expected to affect the operations of the Metro, with trains traveling slower due to the heat on outdoor rails. When rail temperatures surpass 135 degrees, metro trains are limited to above-ground speeds of 35 mph.
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The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced it enacted the policy Thursday due to sustained heat.
Other jurisdictions around Washington, D.C., are taking similar precautions and issuing similar warnings as summer gets off to a hot start.
