What to expect: Extreme heat returns to DC Thursday

WASHINGTON - Much like any season in the Washington D.C. area, the summer season has its ups and downs in terms of the temperatures. I think it is safe to say that what is coming at the end of this week is most certainly an "up."

Before we get to the doom and gloom of the coming heat, let us focus on some good news first. If you want a break from the 90s and humidity, then today is your day. Skies will be mostly sunny and afternoon temps should only reach the middle 80s with comfortable humidity levels. It will be the best day of the week by a long shot.

"THE BIG HEAT" ARRIVES FRIDAY
By tomorrow, things start going downhill again. Temperatures return to the 90s and humidity begins to creep back up to uncomfortable levels. The "big heat" arrives Friday, and once it arrives, it will stick around for 3 to 4 days of dangerous heat.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY: "FEELS LIKE" 105+
By the weekend, we are talking the potential for high temperatures in the triple digits for both Saturday and Sunday, with heat index vales ("feels like" temperatures) ranging from 105-110 degrees, with low temperatures at night only falling back into the lower 80s.

While heat in the summertime is from uncommon, we are talking about temperatures that likely have not occurred in D.C. since late July of 2012, the last time Washington D.C. saw 100 degree temperatures. Record highs are possible this weekend, but it will be a close call as current records currently sit in the low 100s.

After peaking this weekend (likely on Saturday), temperatures will gradually fall back to seasonal levels by the middle of next week.

DANGEROUS HEAT: TAKE IT SERIOUSLY
Heat waves are often given a "passing glace" when it comes to weather systems because they tend not to disrupt our daily lives as much as say a blizzard, tornado, or hurricane. However, each year in the United States heat kills more people than any other natural disaster combined.

Take the heat seriously and start thinking now about how you will keep cool this weekend. Whether it is an afternoon indoors in the air conditioning or a trip to the pool or beach, stay safe, cool and hydrated. The elderly and very young are especially susceptible to the heat, so keep an extra close eye on them. FOX 5 does not want to run any stories this weekend of kids or pets being left in hot cars, so please be smart and check before you lock.