NORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads is bracing for the hottest temperatures so far this year later this week and weekend. Up until now, the hottest temperature recorded at Norfolk International Airport in 2024 was 92° on May 8.
13News Now meteorologists are forecasting temperatures to surpass that and soar into the middle to even upper 90s this weekend. Add in growing humidity levels and the "feels like" temperatures or heat index may climb as high as the lower triple digits.
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Heat advisories could be issued for parts of Hampton Roads later in the weekend if the criteria are met. The heat index would need to be forecast to rise to 105° for 3 consecutive hours for an advisory to be issued; it is likely we will stay below that threshold.
Temperatures this hot so early in the season catch a lot of folks off-guard in terms of properly preparing for how to deal with the heat when spending time outdoors, our bodies just aren’t acclimated to this heat just yet.
It’s a good idea to refresh ourselves on what to look out for in regard to heat-related sicknesses. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke present slightly differently so know the symptoms so you can seek help.
Paired with the heat is a growing call for rain, nothing appreciable is forecast at least until early next week. Drought conditions are currently not present, but the next report is due out on Thursday.
Something else to consider as you make plans to be outdoors this weekend: the Summer Solstice occurs on Thursday, and the sun is at its strongest all year.
This presents another threat, extremely high UV levels. We’re talking about maxing out the UV scale that tops out at 11. That’s the forecast right into this weekend.
So, not only do you need to make sure you stay hydrated and seek shady, cooler locations, but you also must protect yourself from the strong solar radiation this time of the year.
