Staunton, Augusta County heat wave arrives this weekend

• Temperatures are expected to rise into the 80s and low 90s in the Augusta County region this weekend.
• The surge of warmth and humidity originates from an early-season heat wave in the southwest U.S.
• Combined with increased humidity, daytime temperatures may feel like 100 degrees.

After a chilly start to May, temperatures and humidity are going to soar this weekend into early next week in the Augusta County region.

The AccuWeather forecast is calling for widespread temperatures in the 80s and low 90s starting Saturday through Tuesday, May 16-19 for Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro.

"A flip in the pattern will bring much warmer conditions to the Midwest and East starting this weekend," said Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather vice president of forecast operations. "This surge of warmth will originate in the southwest U.S., which is experiencing an early-season heat wave."

Humidity levels will also increase with the heat, with many areas experiencing the highest humidity values so far this year, according to the AccuWeather forecast.

“There has been very little humidity during the few warm spells in the Northeast so far this spring, so dew points in the 60s early next week will be quite noticeable," said DePodwin. "In many places across the East, daytime temperatures may reach their highest levels in a month. For example, 90 F is possible as far north as the Philadelphia area by Tuesday."

This will make it feel uncomfortable outdoors compared to previous spring warmups. With combined humidity and sunshine, it will feel more like it's 100 degrees during the day.

Humidity levels so far in the area has been low leading to an increased wildfire risk. Come the weekend, dew points in the 60s will be quite noticeable, DePodwin added. The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated. Higher values indicate more noticeable and potentially uncomfortable humidity.

In some areas, including the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, the highest temperatures of the year so far could occur early next week, said AccuWeather.

A stray shower is possible during the later afternoon and early evenings throughout the four-day heat wave with cooler temperatures in the 70s arriving on Wednesday, May 20.

How to stay safe and cool during a heat wave

Those particularly vulnerable to heat such as children, infants, older adults (especially those who have pre-existing conditions, take certain medications, living alone or with limited mobility), those with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors, per safety tips from the National Weather Service.

• Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
• Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90 degrees. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
• Take a cool bath or shower.

Keep children cool by having them drink plenty of water, take lots of breaks, wear light-colored and lightweight clothing, and limit playing outdoors to cooler times of the day. Make sure fluids are not very cold or high in sugar/sweetener content, said NWS.

Do not leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle. Even on mild days in the 70s, studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. 

Virginia weather watches and warnings

Monique Calello is a reporter at The News Leader in Staunton covering weather in the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia. Connect with her at [email protected].