NWS Heat Advisory In Effect Today

The National Weather Service says a heat advisory is in effect Tuesday from noon until 8 p.m. Temperatures will be in the upper 90s to lower 100s, with heat index values between 102-106 degrees.

The high temperatures and high humidity will create a situation where heat illnesses, such as heat stroke, are possible. Area residents are advised to drink water and fluids, stay out of the sun, stay in air-conditioned places if possible and check on relatives and neighbors.

Those who work or spend time outside should reschedule strenuous activities to take place in the early morning or evening hours if possible. They should also wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing, according to the National Weather Service.

The occupational safety and health administration says those who work outdoors should take plenty of breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places and anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location.

Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for Tuesday.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Maryland Department of the Environment, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and District Department of Environment have issued a code orange air quality alert.

The code orange air quality alert means air pollution concentrations in the area could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, people with asthma, heart disease and other lung diseases, and the elderly.

The effects of air pollution can be lessened by avoiding exercising outdoors or other strenuous outdoor activity.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:
• high body temperature
• rapid pulse
• absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin
• difficulty breathing
• strange behavior
• hallucinations
• confusion
• agitation
• seizure
• disorientation
• coma

According to WebMD, symptoms of heat stroke can be similar to a heart attack. People can also watch for signs of heat exhaustion before it progresses to heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps, aches and dizziness.

Those suffering from heat stroke should be moved into a cool area, says WebMD. Apply cool water to the skin, fan the victim and place ice packs under arms and on the groin, and call 9-1-1.