Severe Storms Target VA After Sizzling 100-Degree Heat: See Forecast

Dangerous heat will give way to the threat of severe thunderstorms across Northern Virginia on Thursday, with the heat index expected to reach around 100 degrees.

Area residents will see temperatures reach the upper 80s to the low 90s, but hot and humid conditions will make it feel as much as 10 or more degrees hotter.

Officials urged the public to stay hydrated and to limit outdoor activity as the humidity persists.

The heat, however, isn't the only threat of the day.

Thunderstorm + Wind Gust Threat

The National Weather Service warned the chance for thunderstorms returns to the region in the afternoon, with storm cells sticking around through 11 p.m.

A hazardous weather outlook issued by the agency indicates much of the D.C. region could see strong to severe thunderstorms. Officials say damaging wind gusts are the main threat.

By the time the storms wrap up, temperatures are expected to plummet to the low 70s.

But don't expect that to be the last of the rain or the heat this week.

NWS is forecasting additional chances for rain and thunderstorms through Saturday night. A brief two-day respite from the rain starts Sunday.

Extreme heat is also expected to linger through the weekend with a high of 89 degrees on Friday and heat index values reaching 100. Temperatures will reach 90 degrees on Saturday and are likely to remain there through at least Tuesday, according to forecasts.

Detailed Forecast For Northern Virginia

Thursday Afternoon: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 100. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Light southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 91.