Dangerous Heat: Air Quality Alert Issued For DC, Northern Virginia

WASHINGTON, DC — With temperatures and humidity rising — could it be any more oppressive? — officials have issued a "code orange" air quality alert Wednesday for the Washington metropolitan area. The alert means that pollution concentrations may be unhealthy for people with health problems.

Children, older adults, heart/lung disease sufferers and asthmatics are considered sensitive; they should avoid strenuous activity and outdoor exercise Wednesday to minimize the effects from the air quality, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment, which issued the alert.

The "code orange" status applies to Washington, D.C., as well as the Loudon, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church and Alexandria areas in Northern Virginia, according to the National Weather Service.

Warm temperatures are in the forecast, with high temps in the low 90s on Wednesday. It will feel like 99 degrees by 3 p.m. Wednesday, and conditions will only worsen this week. By Friday, afternoon temperatures will feel like 102 degrees and feel like 104 degrees by mid-afternoon Saturday.

During heat waves you should:

• Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Warning: if your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has prescribed you water pills, ask them how much you should drink while temperatures are above average.
• Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these can cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks if possible, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, go to an air-conditioned public place or a county cooling center; even a few hours spent in air-conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the mid-90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a more efficient way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave any person or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

• Infants and young children
• Those aged 65 or older
• Those who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

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