Heat Advisory: Heat Indexes Could Reach 105 Degrees Today

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory that will remain in effect until 8 p.m. tonight.

Temperatures will be in the mid- to upper-90s and some locations will reach the low 100s. Heat indexes will be between 100-105 degrees in the afternoon.

 The National Weather Service advises that due to high temperatures and high humidity, heat illnesses are possible. Area residents should drink lots of fluids, stay in the air conditioning and stay out of the sun. Check on relatives or neighbors if they might need assistance.

Those who work outside need to take extra precautions. Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening and know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light, loose fitting clothing and drink water.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends rescheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments for those who work outside. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool location. Call 9-1-1 for someone suffering from heat stroke.

Additionally, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, in association with Maryland, Virginia and DC departments of environment and environmental quality, have issued a code orange air quality alert for the DC metro area.

The code orange air quality alert means air pollution concentrations may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, those suffering from asthma, heart disease, other lung diseases and the elderly. Those people should avoid strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.