Virginia Weather Alert: Triple-Digit Heat Index Could Turn Your Drive Into a Health Risk

A serious Virginia Weather Alert is in effect this weekend and into early next week as oppressive heat and humidity move into the Virginia Beach area. Whether you’re spending the day on the sand or commuting along I-264, it’s important to know what’s coming and how to protect yourself. The heat index is expected to approach or exceed 100°F from Saturday through Tuesday, turning even routine outdoor activity into a potential health risk.

This isn’t just your average hot weekend. It’s a stretch of weather where the combination of high temperatures, heavy humidity, and limited overnight relief could pose real dangers—especially to young children, older adults, and anyone working outdoors.

Virginia Weather Alert: Heat Index to Soar Above 100°F—What You Need to Know

The core of this Virginia Weather Alert is about more than just uncomfortable weather—this is about safety.

• Saturday will bring highs in the upper 80s, but thanks to high humidity, it’ll feel like the mid-90s by afternoon.

• Sunday through Tuesday, conditions peak with air temperatures in the mid-90s and heat index values climbing to 105–108°F.

• Even at night, it won’t cool down much—overnight lows will linger in the high 70s, giving your body little time to recover from the daytime heat.

Drivers on I-264 and surrounding roadways are especially at risk during afternoon and evening hours. Traffic congestion, hot pavement, and the sun beating through the windshield can quickly lead to overheating or dehydration if you’re not prepared.

How to Beat the Heat and Stay Safe

• Start hydrating now. Don’t wait until you’re sweating. Drink plenty of water throughout the day—especially if you’re working, exercising, or stuck in traffic.

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity from 1–6 p.m. when the heat is most intense.

• If you’re driving, run the AC before getting on the road and keep water in your vehicle at all times.

• Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion—dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating—and act quickly if you or someone else starts to feel off.

• Check in on others, especially older adults, pets, or anyone without air conditioning.

When Will It End?

Relief is likely to begin Wednesday or Thursday, when slightly cooler air and a better chance of late-day thunderstorms may help ease conditions. Until then, Virginia Beach and surrounding areas will remain under heat stress, so it’s important to stay weather-aware and make smart choices every day.

FAQ About Virginia Weather Alert

1. How hot is it really going to feel in Virginia Beach this weekend?

Very hot. Even if the actual air temperature is in the low to mid-90s, the humidity will push the heat index to 100°F or higher, especially between Saturday and Tuesday. That means it will feel much hotter than what the thermometer says—closer to 105–108°F on some days.

2. Why is this Virginia Weather Alert such a big deal?

This Virginia Weather Alert isn’t just about discomfort—it’s about real safety risks. Prolonged high heat and humidity increase the chances of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke. With little overnight cooling, people without air conditioning or who work outdoors are especially vulnerable.

3. I have to travel on I-264 this weekend—how should I prepare?

If you’re driving, especially during the afternoon heat, make sure your car’s cooling system is working, pack extra water, and avoid peak travel times (1–6 p.m.) when the heat is most intense. Keep an eye out for heat-related stress like dizziness or headaches, especially during long drives or stop-and-go traffic.

4. What should I do to stay safe during this heat wave?

• Stay hydrated all day—not just when you’re thirsty.

• Limit your time outside, especially in the heat of the day.

• Wear light clothing and seek out shade or air conditioning.

• Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes—it can turn deadly fast.

5. When will things cool down again?

The current forecast suggests relief could arrive by Wednesday or Thursday, with slightly cooler temperatures and some chances for afternoon thunderstorms. Until then, expect high heat and humidity to continue, so keep your guard up and stay weather-aware.