'Heat Dome' To Blast VA With 100+ Degree Temperatures This Week: See Latest Forecast

VIRGINIA, VA – The cooler temperatures ushered in after last week’s storms will prove short-lived, as a dangerous heat dome will envelop Virginia this week.

Over the weekend, much of the Old Dominion State was pounded by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms that momentarily prompted warnings from the National Weather Service.

While the showers did somewhat alleviate the drought impacting the region, the relief won't last, as residents are now facing down temperatures that could crack 100 degrees, combined with high humidity.

Breaking Down The Heat Dome

Officials say the heat dome will impact more than two dozen states just this week alone.

A heat dome is the result of intensifying high pressure that's been trapped in the upper portions of the atmosphere.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the weather event "allows the sun to create progressively hotter conditions on the ground."

But the same intensity that prompts scorching temperatures will also bring opportunities for a few showers and thunderstorms.

NWS forecasts the highest chance for heavy storms is during the upcoming July 4th weekend. Friday has just a 20 percent chance for rainfall.

What Are The Max Temperatures?

Temperatures on Monday and Tuesday top out at 90 degrees with mostly sunny conditions, but conditions will take a turn on Wednesday.

The latest forecast issued by the National Weather Service shows high temperatures near 98 degrees by Wednesday, maxing out at 104 degrees on Friday. Wednesday's heat index value is 107.

By Saturday, for the Fourth of July, the high is still 101 degrees. By Sunday, it will be 97.

Staying Cool

Officials are urging residents to stay indoors and stay hydrated or stick to shade when outdoors.

"People who mind the heat will be very uncomfortable if they don't have air conditioning," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus said.

"Dew point temperatures with this summer swelter will be well into the 70s in many areas."

High dew points severely impact a person's ability to naturally cool down, according to health officials. The human body runs the risk of working twice as hard to cool down since built-up sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly because of the moisture that's already in the air.

Individuals could experience heat exhaustion, difficulty breathing, or dehydration, among other complications.

Virginia residents can find their closest cooling centers online.

Detailed Forecast For Northern Virginia Region

This Afternoon: Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southeast wind 3 to 7 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. South wind 3 to 6 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind 7 to 9 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 75.

Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 77.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 104. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Independence Day: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.