Heat Index To Reach 107 In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—If you're planning to attend outdoor activities this weekend, you may want to consider staying in the pool or simply cranking up the AC. Alexandria is under a heat advisory Thursday until 7 p.m., and these conditions may continue throughout the weekend.

The heat index is expected to reach up to 107 degrees Thursday in Alexandria, according to the National Weather Service. (Sign up for real time alerts and a newsletter. iPhone users can download the Patch app in the App Store. Plus, like Old Town Alexandria Patch on Facebook.)

Here's a timeline of the "feels like" temperature throughout the heat advisory, according to weather.com:

• 2 p.m.: 105 degrees
• 3 p.m.: 104 degrees
• 4 p.m.: 104 degrees
• 5 p.m.: 103 degrees
• 6 p.m.: 103 degrees
• 7 p.m: 101 degrees

On Friday, there's a slight chance of thunderstorms and showers, but the heat will continue to feel uncomfortable. The heat index could reach 105, and temperatures will reach 98.

Saturday will have a chance of thunderstorms in the morning and night, but don't expect it to cool off that much. Alexandria will see a high of 96 and low of 78. Temperatures will remain about the same Sunday, and chances of thunderstorms will continue through Monday. By Tuesday, temperatures dropping to a high of 87 and low of 70 will seem like a much-needed change.

The City of Alexandria offers the following tips to stay cool during the dog days of summer:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Stay in an air-conditioned area for frequent rest breaks.
• Check on your neighbors and know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Plan outdoor activities and physical activities around the hottest part of the day. Go outside before noon or at night when it's cooler.
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
• Wear sunscreen, since sunburn makes it more difficult to cool off.

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