News 4’s Meagan Fitzgerald looks at the various steps Metro and its riders took Monday during the heat emergency.
The severe weather for the D.C. area has passed, dropping temperatures nearly 20 degrees in some areas. It brought some relief to a region that saw record temperatures on Monday.
Storm Team4 said the official temperature at Reagan National Airport hit 100 degrees, tying a record high set in 1930. That record has been matched in other years.
A record high of 100 degrees for this day was set at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, breaking the previous record of 98 degrees in 2010.
Meteorologists said BWI airport in Linthicum, Maryland, tied 2010's record daily high of 100 degrees.
Storm Team4 said 90 degrees and higher will continue throughout the rest of the week. There may be a break next Monday, but the heatwave is expected to continue.
How to Spot Heat Exhaustion and Stroke
Officials throughout the area are warning residents to lookout for the potential warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, muscle cramping might be the first sign of a heat-related illness.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
What to do:
- Move to a cooler location.
- Lie down and loosen your clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
- Sip water.
- If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.
Signs of heat stroke include:
- High body temperature (above 103°F)*
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
What to do:
- Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
- Move the person to a cooler environment.
- Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
- Do NOT give fluids.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Pools, spray parks and cooling centers are open throughout the region to help residents cool off.
Staying inside, drinking lots of water and staying away from strenuous exercise during the hottest hours of the day are some other ways to keep cool. See 6 tips for staying cool here.
The Washington Humane Society asks pet owners (and those who became new pet owners Saturday during Clear the Shelters) to keep their pets in cooler areas -- indoors or in the shade -- and to keep their pets hydrated.
Pepco issued a statement assuring its customers that they are equipped to handle any problems that come with the heat wave. To reduce heat inside of homes, Pepco encourages customers to turn off or unplug unnecessary lighting or appliances and to keep doors and curtains shut while the AC is on.
