Article Text
Fairfax County faces a volatile mix of extreme heat, high humidity and potentially heavy rainfall Tuesday, July 8.
A National Weather Service Heat Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m., with heat index values expected to reach 106 degrees. A Flood Watch begins at 2 p.m. and continues through midnight Wednesday.
The county has activated its heat plan, making libraries, community centers and other public facilities available as cooling centers. Water bottles and additional supplies are available at those locations.
Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, limit outdoor activity, wear light and loose clothing, stay out of direct sunlight and check on neighbors, children and pets. Outdoor workers should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved somewhere cool and shaded. Heat stroke is an emergency requiring a call to 911.
The Flood Watch covers the wider Washington region. Forecasters warn that excessive rainfall could cause flash flooding, with rain rates potentially reaching 2 inches per hour.
Meteorologist Jackie Layer said unsettled conditions could continue through the rest of the week, although the heaviest rainfall is expected Tuesday and Wednesday.