Heat — Fairfax, Virginia

1997-08-16 to 1997-08-17 · Fairfax, Virginia

Wider weather episode

West winds circulating around a "Bermuda" high pressure system allowed temperatures to soar over the weekend of the 16th and 17th. Maximum temperatures surpassed the century mark across most of northern Virginia (except in the higher elevations) both days. Heat index values ranged from 105 to 110 each day, but aside from a few heat exhaustion cases, it appeared that at-risk residents remained in air conditioned locations. No heat-related deaths were reported by Virginia medical authorities.A record high was achieved at Washington/Dulles Airport (VAZ042) on the 16th with a new maximum of 100 degrees. That temperature was matched on the 17th, before strong to severe thunderstorms moved through.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5615510. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.