[Archived] Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Watch in Effect this Weekend through Monday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2008

Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Watch in Effect this Weekend through Monday
Heat Indices Between 105° to 110° Anticipated

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and an Excessive Heat Watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon for the City of Alexandria. Temperatures are expected to reach the middle and upper 90s each day. The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, will cause heat indices to approach 105 degrees Saturday afternoon; head indices for Sunday and Monday may approach 110 degrees.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat-related illnesses can occur. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic ailments are usually the first to suffer from the heat. Heat exhaustion, cramps, or in extreme cases, heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions. During extended heat waves, people are advised to stay indoors and limit their exposure to the sun; drink plenty of water; and wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Alexandrians are also urged to check on neighbors that may be at risk or do not have access to air conditioning. Be sure to keep pets indoors and provide them with plenty of fresh water.

Cooling Centers. A number of air-conditioned City facilities and public places are currently available as daytime and evening cooling centers.

All City recreation centers except Charles Barrett and Patrick Henry are open from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday; operate on a limited, varied Sunday schedule; and are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday.
All City libraries are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday. The Beatley Central Library is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For a complete listing of recreation centers and libraries, visit the City’s Web site at alexandriava.gov or call the Citizens Assistance Line at 703.838.4800.
Alexandria’s enclosed, air-conditioned Landmark Mall is open until 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Pools. The City’s Old Town (1609 Cameron St.) and Warwick (3301 Landover St.) swimming pools provide relief from the effects of excessive heat. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation/pools/pools.html or call 703.519.2160, ext. 21.

For more information on remaining healthy in the heat, call the Alexandria Health Department, 703.838.4872, or the Alexandria Chapter of the Red Cross, 703.549.8300.

>> Virginia Department of Emergency Management Heat-Related Emergencies: Responding to Heat