[Archived] Heat Advisory Issued for the City of Alexandria

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the City of Alexandria from noon today until 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 102 degrees. The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, will cause heat indices to approach 105 degrees. 

The combination of high temperatures and 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. Residents 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 who 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. Residents are also advised to be conservative in their use of electricity, as demand for electric power will be high over the next several days. 
A number of air-conditioned City facilities and public places are currently available for residents to “beat the heat”:

• Recreation Centers. All City recreation centers are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. On weekends, recreation centers operate on a limited, varied schedule. For more information, call 703.746.4343 or visit alexandriava.gov/RecreationCenters 
• Libraries. The Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hours of operation for the Barrett, Duncan, and Burke branches differ; please call 703.746.1702 or visit http://www.alexandria.lib.va.us for more information.
• Pools. The City’s Old Town (1609 Cameron St.) and Warwick (3301 Landover St.) swimming pools are open seven days a week from noon to 7 p.m. to provide relief from the effects of excessive heat. For more information about these and other City pools, visit alexandriava.gov/Pools or call 703.519.2160, ext. 21.

For more information on remaining healthy in the heat, visit alexandriava.gov, or call the Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4996.