ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)—A Heat Advisory will be in effect on Thursday and Friday for the Roanoke Valley, Central Virginia, Southside, and the Shenandoah Valley. Nelson County will be under an Extreme Heat Warning.
High pressure is settling over Virginia for the second half of the week, leading to near-record and record-breaking heat. For Thursday and Friday, afternoon highs will be in the 90s to near 100. Little relief from the heat is expected each night as lows will range from the mid-60s to the lower 70s.
Muggy air will make it feel more uncomfortable. Peak heat index values of 95 to 100 are expected in the mountains. Areas along and east of the Blue Ridge can expect heat indices up to 110.
Take precautions to prepare for the heat. Check your air conditioners to ensure they’re working properly. It’s important to stay cool, hydrated, and safe. If you’re working outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned area. Never leave children or pets in hot vehicles.
The area of high pressure will keep rain chances low, but not zero. Stray spotty showers and storms could still pop up each afternoon over areas west of the Blue Ridge.
The heat dome will gradually break down over the weekend, but it will still be hot and muggy. For the 4th of July, afternoon temperatures will be in the 90s to near 100. Sunday will be a couple of degrees cooler, with highs in the upper 80s and 90s.
Scattered showers and storms are possible both Saturday and Sunday, more likely during the late afternoon and evening hours. Overall, the Independence Day weekend won’t be a washout, and not everyone will see rain; however, you’ll want to stay weather-aware. Isolated storms could produce heavy rainfall and gusty winds…