CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – With the forecasted “heat dome” expected to bring record temperatures to the area later this week, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management is warning of major to extreme heat risks for the region through the Fourth of July weekend.
“Long periods of extreme heat creates significant stress on the body, especially outdoors,” VDEM cautioned in a social media post Sunday.
Wednesday’s high is forecasted at 101, Thursday and Friday at 105, and Saturday, America’s 250th birthday, has a predicted high temperature of 102. Along with humid air, little to no cloud cover is expected.
AccuWeather advised keeping hydrated and seeking as much time in the shade or inside as possible.
Heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat stress are also a concern in a heat dome environment. With many spending extended time outside due to the holiday, hydration will be crucial.
“Drinking water and electrolytes will help to replenish the loss with the sweating,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill told Cville Right Now. Merrill warns that alcohol will make any dehydration risk worse on account of the heat and humidity. He also recommends wearing loose-fitting and light-colored clothing throughout the week whenever time outside is required.
Such temperatures will impact long weekend holiday travel as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends drivers check both the cabin air filter and air conditioner in their cars before taking a long road trip, as the air conditioning system is put under greater stress in higher temperatures.
Temperatures as high as those expected this week also can have an effect on a car’s internal systems. NHTSA also advises lifting the hood and examining all hoses and belts for rubber cuts, cracks, bulges and blisters.
Staying in a car without working air conditioning, or indeed at all, is a prevalent cause of heatstroke in conditions like those forecasted this week. NHTSA warns not to leave children or pets in cars unattended at all for the duration of the heat dome, in part due to children’s body temperature rising three to five times faster than an adult’s, on average.
At least one area church will be functioning as a cooling center for those who need it this week. Belmont Baptist Church will have its Fellowship Hall open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. to provide relief from the heat. Those seeking to enter are asked to park on the Meridian Street side of the building.
Other locations open include the Herman Key Jr. Recreation Center, open Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Independence Day hours are to be announced.
The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library will also be open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be closed on Sundays and Independence Day.
The Tonsler Recreation Center will be open from 12 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, closed Sundays with Independence Day hours to be determined. Finally, The Haven will be open from Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. They will be open Independence Day.
Any other locations acting as cooling centers will be included here.
