NORFOLK, Va. — Temperatures forecast to reach dangerous levels will stick around through part of the weekend.
The high pressure that has been in control of our weather pattern is shifting eastward, allowing some of the hottest weather of the summer to build in.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Friday and Saturday for much of Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. An Excessive Heat Warning means dangerously hot conditions, with heat index values between 110-115° possible in some spots. In addition, overnight heat index values in urban areas are not expected to drop below the lower to mid 80s Friday night.
Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Suffolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach are just a few of the cities in Virginia impacted by these dangerous heat levels. You can find a full list of affected cities on the National Weather Service's site.
Areas west of Hampton Roads, as well as the Eastern Shore and Outer Banks are also under a Heat Advisory, for heat index values up to 106°.
The combination of extreme heat and humidity increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke. Experts advise people to stay hydrated, and if you go outside, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and limit physical activity.
Members of Norfolk Fire-Rescue also tweeted Thursday a reminder for people of summer safety tips to beat the heat.
Scientists are already predicting July 2023 as the hottest month globally on record, according to the Associated Press.
"At least, I guess, July is almost over now, four more days. If it's going to be hottest, at least we're past it," said Zachary Sheppard of Norfolk.
Because of the sweltering heat and humidity, at least three local cities are opening up some of their buildings as cooling centers until Saturday.
Lists of locations & times: