VA/DC Weather: 10 Straight Days Of 90+ Degree Temperatures Forecast

VIRGINIA/DC — Welcome to the D.C. area's first prolonged heat wave of this summer as temperatures will soar above 90 degrees through at least Sunday and perhaps into the following week. It may feel like at least 100 degrees on many of those days.

After a June and early July when there wasn't the sustained heat and humidity Washingtonians are accustomed to, D.C.'s summer is finally arriving with this week's heat and humidity.

Temperatures in the D.C. metro have been comfortable on more days than normal since early June.

"That’s a major victory for a region that has seen rapid warming from human-caused climate change and endured a string of scorching summers in recent years," The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang reported Sunday.

In central Virginia, Richmond experienced its least humid June in a decade, according to Sean Sublette, chief meteorologist for the Richmond-Times Dispatch.

Starting Tuesday, though, high temperatures are expected to reach 90 or above in the D.C. area and stay above 90 for several days.

The heat index will likely reach 100 degrees or higher starting Thursday.

All locations in the Interstate 95 corridor from Virginia to Massachusetts will significantly add to their number of 90-degree days this week and perhaps right through next week, AccuWeather.com said. Temperatures will average 5 to 10 degrees above normal, following near-average temperatures for most days since early June.

NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell noted that the 90-degree day count is about to undergo a growth spurt. So far this year, there have been only 13 90-degree days. But watch out for the "likelihood of 10 more over the next 10 days," Bell said.

Hottest July Weekend

The Capital Weather Gang is predicting the hottest weekend so far in July, with highs in the upper 90s with moderate humidity on both days. Over the weekend, the chance of an afternoon or evening thunderstorm is better on Sunday.

"DC hasn't reached 100 degrees in almost six years, but may come very close over the upcoming weekend," Bell said.

WUSA9 is predicting the heat index will reach 100 degrees starting on Thursday. And then the following week will see temperatures above 90 degrees.

"High temperatures will remain very hot all the way through the weekend with sticky humidity making it feel even warmer than it actually is," WUSA9's weather team reported. "Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be the hottest days with temperatures in the upper 90s but feeling like the triple digits."

Libraries and community centers across Northern Virginia often serve as cooling centers when temperatures reach into the high-90s. Check hours to ensure the locations in your area are open before you go.

In the District of Columbia, when the temperature or heat index reaches 95 degrees, the D.C. government, through the Department of Human Services and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, will implement the Heat Emergency Plan and activate cooling centers for residents to seek relief.

Residents and visitors should take extra steps to beat the heat by staying in the shade or air-conditioning, drinking plenty of water and visiting a cooling center. Periods of high heat and humidity can cause medical problems such as heat exhaustion and stroke.