ALEXANDRIA, VA – If you’re planning to celebrate Independence Day outdoors, prepare for dangerous heat.
The National Weather Service has expanded its Extreme Heat Watch to include Saturday, July 4, as a prolonged heat wave continues across Northern Virginia. Friday remains under an Extreme Heat Warning, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 112 degrees. On Saturday, the heat index could still reach 110 degrees, creating hazardous conditions for anyone spending extended time outside.
City officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, check on elderly neighbors and relatives, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Cooling Centers and Places to Escape the Heat
Alexandria has expanded several cooling options for residents and visitors:
- Carpenter’s Shelter
- 2355-A Mill Road
- Open continuously through Monday, July 6, at 7 a.m.
- Information: 703-746-6551
- DASH Cooling Bus
- King Street near City Hall (417 King St.) – Through Sunday, July 5, from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- LA Mart Parking Lot (South Van Dorn Street & Edsall Road) – Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Charles Houston Recreation Center
- 901 Wythe St.
- 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Patrick Henry Recreation Center
- 4653 Taney Ave.
- 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Residents can also cool off indoors at several city attractions:
- Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Alexandria Visitor Center (221 King St.) – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Alexandria museums are open during regular hours this weekend. Admission is free for Alexandria residents.
Know the Warning Signs
Heat exhaustion symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
Move to a cool place immediately, drink water, and rest…