Temperatures in the 80s and 90s shoved the region into summer this week, and forecasters say there’s more hot weather coming.
In Montgomery County, firefighters suspended noncritical outdoor activity, while Prince George’s County schools took it easy on outdoor sports.
“It did surprise a lot of people,” said Alexandria’s emergency management coordinator, Mark Penn, “but we didn’t get any heat advisories from the weather service, so we didn’t put out any warnings.”
Temperatures reached the low 90s Tuesday but dipped into the 80s Wednesday, where they are expected to remain today. The National Weather Service is calling for slightly cooler weather, in the 70s, through the weekend, followed by more 80-degree days.
When the hot weather does come to stay, Penn said the city advises people to limit outdoor activity and, if necessary, take advantage of the city’s libraries, recreation centers, and shopping malls to get cool.
Montgomery firefighters spent much of Tuesday heeding similar advice, said Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer.
“High heat this early in the season means that most people’s bodies are not accustomed to the warm outdoor conditions,” he said.
The District of Columbia on Wednesday reported Code Orange air quality for potentially harmful ozone pollution, brought on by higher temperatures early in the week. Accordingly, the District Department of Health advised the public to limit their outdoor activity.
Officials said high ozone concentrations are unusual this early in the year.
Heat Exposure
Knowing the symptoms of heat exposure can prevent further serious heat illness:
» Heat cramps: Painful muscle spasms in the abdomen or legs.
» Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea and weakness.
» Heatstroke: Red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness. Call 911.
