The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert for Loudoun and a Heat Advisory for eastern Loudoun that remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday.
Highs today are expected to climb to the upper 90s with a heat index value of 107 degrees and dewpoints in the 70s.
Meteorologists also say given the duration of the current hot spell, the excessive heat warning for the urban corridor (including the Philadelphia area) is still warranted and has not changed, though afternoon heat indices may not exceed 100 degrees in most locations.
A few signs of heat illness in pets are rapid or irregular heart rate, excessive drooling, lethargy, refusal to eat or excessive panting.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors, especially the elderly”, states the warning.
Many recreation centers throughout Augusta are serving as cooling centers to allow residents to cool off and hydrate during recreational activities. If you have to be outside during the day, please keep in mind to drink lots of water, wear light-colored clothing, and take plenty of frequent breaks.
“Headaches, nausea, and dizziness are just some symptoms that come along with heat stress”. To be classified as a heat wave there have to be at least three consecutive days with high temperatures of at least 90 degrees. Light west wind increasing to 8 to 13 miles per hour in the morning.
With sunny skies, temperatures could peak out at 95 degrees, according to a weather service forecast for the Hartford area. Northwest wind 5 to 8 miles per hour.
The late Tuesday afternoon forecast discussion from the NWS’s Mount Holly office said precipitation over the coming days “will be typical for summer with mostly dry days and chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms in the evening”.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.