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WEATHER: Dangerous heat wave through weekend

Posted at 6:32 AM, Jul 06, 2012
and last updated 2012-07-07 08:10:55-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – The dangerous heat and humidity that has been with us all week (while many in our region were without power and A/C) is only going to get worse through this weekend. Thursday, we set a new record high for Richmond at 102 degrees. CLICK HERE to read more about that record. But Saturday may end up being the hottest day of this heat wave, with an expected high temperature of about 104° in Richmond, with other high temperatures in central Virginia above 100°.

An excessive heat warning is in effect for much of the area Saturday for heat index values around or above 110°.  More of the same is on tap for Sunday as well.  With high heat and humidity like we’ll experience through Sunday, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing or where you are – even healthy people will be at risk for heat-related illnesses.

But we are just one part of the country dealing with this heat wave as the jet stream is riding high into Canada, with a huge heat dome over the central and eastern U.S. Here are the other parts of the U.S. battling excessive heat and humidity:

As with the past several days, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert is in effect for nearly all of central Virginia, including the Richmond and Petersburg metro areas.

If we hit 100° or hotter Saturday & Sunday, that will put our tally for 100-degree days this year to four. This may have you thinking about our Summer of 2010, when we hit 100° or hotter ten times!

CLICK HERE for heat safety tips!
CLICK HERE for information on keeping your pets safe in this heat wave (whether or not you have power!).
Here’s a list of all known cooling shelters in Virginia.
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Meteorologist Carrie Rose
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