RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -On this official first day of Summer (the Summer Solstice), we are beginning a three-day stretch of dangerously hot and humid weather. Afternoon high temperatures in our area will reach the mid to upper 90s Wednesday through Friday. Heat index values in the afternoons (Noon through 6 p.m., primarily) will commonly be at least 100 degrees. Remember, the Heat Index is an indication of what the temperature will feel like to your body in the shade. If you’re active or in the sunlight, it will feel even hotter. 
A Heat Advisory will be in effect both today and tomorrow for the orange highlighted areas on this map:
However, ALL of central Virginia will experience the same conditions: high heat, humidity, and afternoon heat index values commonly ranging 100 to 103 degrees.
In addition to the high heat and humidity, as often happens when those two combine with relatively light winds, there is poor air quality. In this case, we have an Air Quality Alert (Code Orange) for the Richmond and Petersburg Metro Areas today (for high concentrations of low-level ozone). This means breathing may become difficult for people active outdoors and also for those with respiratory conditions (like asthma). 
CLICK HERE for life-saving heat safety tips!
Meteorologist Carrie Rose
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