Richmond's worst heat wave in years is on the way

Richmond's worst heat wave in years is on the way

A "heat dome" is forecasted to bring dangerously high temperatures to Richmond and much of the eastern half of the U.S. this week.

Why it matters: The "prolonged and widespread heat wave" has the potential to be the region's worst in several years, according to the National Weather Service.

  • And the extreme heat will last through the July 4 celebrations.

    • Driving the news: Temperatures in the region, stretching to the coast and into the Outer Banks, will likely reach 97 to 103 degrees— or higher — from Thursday through Saturday, per the NWS Wakefield's Monday morning briefing.

  • The heat index, or "feels like" temperature, will swell to 105 to 110 degrees over the same period.
  • Meanwhile, the region's dry spell is expected to continue through the weekend, so there's little hope of relief.

    • Zoom in: In metro Richmond, the brutal heat starts Wednesday, when RVA is under an "elevated risk" for extreme heat, per the NWS.

  • That turns into "significant risk" on Thursday and Friday.
  • Under elevated risk, heat exhaustion is likely after prolonged time outside. With significant risk, heat stroke become likely.

    • By the numbers: The max forecasted temperature and heat index temperate each day in Richmond, per NWS is:

  • Wednesday: 97/104
  • Thursday: 101/107
  • Friday: 103/109
  • Saturday: 101/106
  • Sunday: 97/103

    • A searchable list of cooling shelters is available through the state health department.

    The bottom line: It's going to be a scorcher of a week. Try to stay hydrated, indoors and in a good place with your friends with pools.