Extreme heat and storms to hit Virginia beaches, rip current warning

Wakefield, VA – Virginians are bracing for a sweltering weekend with temperatures expected to climb into the 90s and heat indices topping 100°F. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, VA, has issued several warnings warning of severe weather conditions, including a high risk of rip currents and potential severe thunderstorms.

According to the NWS, temperatures along the coast are expected to reach the low to mid 90s, while inland areas may see highs in the upper 80s. Heat indices will climb into the 90s to around 100°F. Warmer temperatures are expected tomorrow with strong to severe thunderstorms possible.

For those heading to the beaches to escape the heat, the NWS has issued a high risk of rip currents for East Coast beaches and a moderate risk of rip currents for southeastern Virginia and the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina. Beachgoers are advised to use caution and check for updates at weather.gov/beach/AKQ.

Sunday brings the chance of severe thunderstorms between 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM, with the main threats being damaging winds and isolated cases of severe hail. Heat index values ​​could reach 103-108°F for several hours before storms develop.

Looking ahead, the forecast indicates continued high temperatures and varied weather conditions. Sunday will see highs around 93°F with a 45% chance of rain. Monday brings a brief respite with sunny skies and highs in the 80s, but the heat will return midweek, with temperatures climbing back into the 90s by Wednesday.