NWS Issues Heat Advisory for Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the entire metro area, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Predictions call for temperatures in the upper 90s to low 100s, with heat indexes reaching 105 to 109.

Forecasters don't expect the weather to be as hot as last Friday, but experts still advise residents to stay cool in air-conditioned buildings and drink plenty of water.

The Capital Weather Gang noted that so far this month, we have seen 22 days of 90-plus degree heat, surpassing July 2010's record of 21 days.

Friday could see record-breaking temperatures. The record for July 29th at Reagan National is 99 degrees.

The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging is giving away free fans to income-eligible senior citizens without air conditioning. This program runs until Sept. 30, and seniors can apply for a fan by contacting Kim Karlinchak at 703-324-7694, TTY 703-449-1186 or by e-mail at kim.karlinchak@fairfaxcounty.gov

Air-conditioned activities in our area include:

1. Visiting the library. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2. Going swimming at the George Washington Rec Center, 8426 Old Mount Vernon Road; hours are 1-6 p.m.

3. Seeing a movie at Regal Cinemas Kingstowne Stadium 16, 5910 Kingstowne Center. (703) 719-0784.

Fairfax County also offers the following tips to stay safe in the heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Do not drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages because they dehydrate the body.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. Spend time in an air-conditioned place if possible; resting for just two hours in air conditioning can significantly reduce heat-related illnesses.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous physical activities or reschedule them for the coolest part of the day, usually the early morning.
• Eat light meals, avoiding high-protein foods because they increase metabolic heat.
• Don’t take salt tablets unless directed by a doctor.
• Wear light-colored clothing, which helps reflect sunlight.
• Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Sunburn makes it more difficult for your body to cool off.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a car — not even for a few minutes. Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature in a car on an 85-degree day can soar to 102 degrees in just 10 minutes.