
Reminder: Excessive Heat Watch Takes Effect Today — Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area will be under an Excessive Heat Watch from noon to 8 p.m. The heat index could reach 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, so the National Weather Service advises drinking plenty of fluids, staying inside as much as possible, and checking up on neighbors and relatives. [NWS]
Hunters Woods Garden Thieves Resurface — Thieves that reportedly stole thousands of dollars in plants and other materials from two community garden plots at Hunters Woods Park in May have returned with the harvest season. Reston Association increased security around the gardens, including the installation of fencing and flood lights with sensors, but the culprits evidently have not been deterred from stealing vegetables. [Patch]
No Trespassing at Silver Line Phase 2 Stations — The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority issued a reminder that, while Metro’s six impending Silver Line stations look finished, they are still closed “because of ongoing construction work and potential safety hazards.” MWAA maintains that they will “most likely” open in early 2022, but there is some conflict over the timeline with the project’s contractor. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]
County Board Endorses Dog Park Study — The Fairfax County Park Authority Board gave its support on July 28 to a countywide dog park study that calls for at least one new park and highlights concerns about inattentive visitors, insufficient water, and surface conditions at existing parks. A draft version of the study came out in March, and the full, final report will become available next month. [FCPA]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

While temperatures in Fairfax County haven’t exactly been comfortable over the past couple of days, the heat is about get worse before easing up at the end of this week.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the D.C. area, including Fairfax County, that will take effect from noon through 8 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday). An Excessive Heat Watch will follow on Thursday (Aug. 12) over roughly the same time frame.
Forecasts indicate high temperatures of 94 degrees tomorrow and 98 degrees on Thursday in Reston, but the addition of humidity could make it feel like more than 100 degrees.
Here is more from the alert:
* WHAT…For the Heat Advisory, heat index values will range from around 100 degrees west of Interstate 95 to around 105 degrees near and east of Interstate 95. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions are possible with heat indices possibly ranging from around 105 degrees west of Interstate 95 to around 110 degrees near and east of Interstate 95.
* WHERE…The Washington, Baltimore, and Fredericksburg areas, central and southern Maryland, northern Virginia, and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
* WHEN…For the Heat Advisory, from noon to 8 PM EDT Wednesday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Thursday afternoon through early Thursday evening.
* IMPACTS…Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
The NWS advises preparing for the incoming heat by drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the sun and in air-conditioned rooms when possible, and checking in on relatives and neighbors.
“Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances,” the NWS says in the alert. “This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
A Heat Advisory has been issued for portions of our area Wednesday as increased heat and humidity will result in heat indices ranging between 100-105 degrees. Slightly hotter conditions expected Thursday, prompting an Excessive Heat Watch. https://t.co/JxQPRW87Gr pic.twitter.com/SbRldDZPPF
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 10, 2021
Heat Advisory issued for tomorrow (Wednesday 8/11/21) from 12 PM (noon) to 8 PM.
🏚️Stay indoors as much as possible.
💧Drink plenty of fluids.
😷If you feel woozy, overheated, or unwell, stop any strenuous activities.
Extreme Heat: https://t.co/r42F390hcE#ReadyFairfax#NWS pic.twitter.com/53PsIfeaLW— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) August 10, 2021
Photo via Ritam Baishya/Unsplash
A heatwave continues throughout the region today (Wednesday). A flash flood watch is also in effect until 11 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.
Here’s more from the advisory:
* WHAT…Heat index values up to 109 expected.
* WHERE…The District of Columbia, central, northern and southern Maryland and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. CDC recommends that if you need to go to a cooling center, wear a cloth face covering. While you are there, wash your hands with soap, or use hand sanitizer, often. Face covers should not be used by children under the age of 2. They also should not be used by people having trouble breathing, or who are unconscious, injured, or can’t remove the mask themselves.
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Heat Advisory in Effect — Hot temperatures and high humidity are expected from noon to 8 p.m. today (Monday). Forecasters encourage residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, and stay out of the sun. [National Weather Service]
Input Sought on Route 28 Improvements — “The Virginia Department of Transportation wants the public’s input for a study on improving the Route 28 corridor. The goal is to ease congestion and improve safety around the Dulles Greenway interchange. VDOT has created a survey people can take online until Aug. 3.” [VDOT]
RA Offers Discounts for Recreation Passes, Rebates — “The Reston Association Board of Directors voted to discount the purchase price of member recreation passes by 50 percent starting July 15. The board also decided to offer 50 percent retroactive rebates to members and non-members who have already paid the full price for their 2020 passes. The decisions came during a special virtual meeting of the board on July 13.” [Reston Association]
Excessive Heat Warning in Effect Today — The heat warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. this evening. Heat index values will climb near 110 degrees today. An excessive heat watch is in effect tomorrow and Sunday as well. [Fairfax Alerts]
Review Changes to Fairfax County’s Zoning Laws — On Monday, June 22, residents can drop in on an open house in Fairfax to learn about recently proposed changes, including new uses for agritourism and limiting temperatures for LED lights. Attendees can also learn about recently adopted changes to community gardens, short-term rentals, and signs. [Fairfax County Government]
Despite Issues, Silver Line Extension On Track — “Switches in the new Silver Line rail yard do not line up with the tracks they are supposed to connect to, systems to detect train locations in the yard have failed, and there are still problems with the rocks that support the tracks, a new report to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board said.” [WTOP]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
The sun is expected to beat down in most of the Northern Virginia and surrounding regions today (Wednesday).
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Heat index values are expected to hover around 105 degrees Fahrenheit with temperatures in the mid-90s.
NWS cautions that high temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses.
Here’s more from the alert:
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency – call 911.
The heat is expected to continue throughout the week. Residents are advised to check up on the elderly and sick, as well as limit strenuous outdoor activities.
A HOT day ahead! According to the @NWS heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities each year. Heat related deaths are totally preventable. Practice #heatsafety wherever you. More: https://t.co/3Tb8Y3O8S9 #SafeFairfax #KeepYourCool pic.twitter.com/UxWq6uIKiq
— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) July 17, 2019
Photo via NWS_BaltWash/Twitter
A heat advisory is in effect for Reston and nearby areas from noon to 7 p.m. today.
According to the National Weather Service, heat index values are expected to climb to around 105 degrees and dewpoints are expected to hover in the mid-70s. Heat and humidity could cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.
More from the alert:
A Heat Advisory means that a period of high temperatures is
expected. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity
will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible and drink plenty of water.To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by
heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency – call 911.
Be aware and be prepared. It is going to be HOT! Drink fluids and stay cool. https://t.co/8JfqAfxgOS
— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) September 4, 2018
TSA stops Reston man with loaded guns – A Reston man was reprimanded after an X-ray machine at Dulles International Airport spotted two loaded semi-automatic handguns in his carry-on bag. According to the Transportation Security Administration, the weapons were fund when the man went through a security checkpoint on Saturday. [WTOP]
When fiction, fact and fantasy collide — Five regional artists are teaming together to present the exhibition “Building World” at the Greater Reston Arts Center. The exhibition ends on September 13. [The Connection]
Bring back jazz and blues — Roughly 400 people took part in the 12th Annual Jazz and Blues Festival at Lake Anne Plaza over the weekend. Concert-goers enjoyed seven acts of jazz, blues and soul. [Local DVM]
Survival lecture at Reston Regional Library tonight — New York Times bestselling author Tim MacWelch dispels myths and shares facts about surviving in the wilderness. This interactive lecture is open to attendees age 10 and up. [Reston Regional Library]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Heat advisory in effect today — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. Stay hydrated and limited outdoor exposure. Heat index values are expected to fluctuate between 100 and 105 degrees. [National Weather Service]
Friendly back to school reminders — As day two of school goes into session, the county is reminding residents about rules for buses, speeding in a school zone and crossing guard directions. [Fairfax County Government]
But what’s actually happening in schools — “With a $2.9 billion budget and 198 schools, the Fairfax County school system is the 10th largest in the country. And the student body is still growing. Budget projections call for about 1,100 new students this year.” [WTOP]
Next month’s Reston Community Center guide — RCC’s professional touring artist series opens this season with The Bad Plus, a jazz trio. Check out more of what’s happening at the center next month. [Reston Community Center]
Calling all shrub lovers — The Walker Nature Center is selling native shrubs. All orders are due by Monday, September 24 at 5 p.m. You can also shop online. [Reston Association]
Trivia night at Reston Regional Library — Show off your book knowledge at trivia night. Bring your own team of three to five people or form a team with new friends. Book-related prizes will be offered for top teams.
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in effect from noon today through 8 p.m.
Heat index values are expected to climb up to 105 degrees due to temperatures in the mid-90s and dewpoints in the lower-to-middle 70s.
According to the alert, heat and humidity today may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure.
More from the alert:
A Heat Advisory means that a period of high temperatures is expected. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency – call 911.
Photo by Ruth Sievers
Behind the video — In this follow-up story, the man who recorded a video of a former Reston Association employee yelling racial slurs tells his side of the story. [WJLA]
Heat advisory continues today — The National Weather Service has issued an advisory from noon to 8 p.m. today. Residents are encouraged to limit outdoor activity, wear loose-fitting clothing and hydrate as much as possible. [National Weather Service]
It’s not too late — Slots in select Frying Pan Farm Park camps are still open. The park offers camps for children between the ages of 3 and 14. [Frying Pan Farm Park]
Nearby: funding for transportation — Fairfax County projects will get more than 40 percent of the more than $1 billion allocated for regional transportation projects. Several proposals for Reston projects didn’t make the cut. [Fairfax County Times]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Heat advisory in effect — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. today. Heat index values could hit 105 degrees today. [National Weather Service]
A $30 million boost — “Reston lease accounting software firm LeaseAccelerator has raised $30 million in Series B funding from New York venture capital firm Insight Venture Partners.” [WTOP]
Fountain is back in business — The interactive fountain in Reston Town Square Park closed late last week due to emergency repairs. Repairs are now complete and the fountain is open. [Reston Town Center]
Families belong together — Residents in Reston came together for an interfaith vigil in support of the national “Families Belong Together” campaign this weekend. [Local DVM]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
A heat advisory from the National Weather Service will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, as temperatures soar into the 90s.
From the alert:
…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM EDT
THIS EVENING…The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
issued a Heat Advisory, which is in effect from 11 AM this
morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.* HEAT INDEX VALUES…Around 105 degrees due to temperatures in
the lower 90s and dewpoints in the mid to upper 70s.* IMPACTS…The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during
outdoor exertion or extended exposure.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Heat Advisory means that a period of high temperatures is
expected. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity
will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when
possible and drink plenty of water.To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by
heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency — call 911.
The National Weather Service says strong thunderstorms are possible this afternoon as well, with frequent lightning, damaging winds and large hail possible.
Active weather expected today with heat and humidity followed by strong to locally severe thunderstorms. pic.twitter.com/z9W5V6PxSs
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) August 18, 2017
File image via Flickr
Heat Advisory today 10am to 8pmhttps://t.co/Kt74D8dUsR pic.twitter.com/0ENF5AABBY
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) July 21, 2017
With high temperatures forecast in the mid- to upper 90s, and humidity making it feel like upward of 105, the National Weather Service is again placing the area under a heat advisory. Today’s advisory will be in effect 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
According to the NWS alert:
The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
issued a Heat Advisory, which is in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT
Friday.* HEAT INDEX VALUES…Around 105 due to temperatures in the mid to
upper 90s, and dewpoints in the lower 70s.* IMPACTS…The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during
outdoor exertion or extended exposure.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Heat Advisory means that a period of high temperatures is
expected. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity
will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when
possible and drink plenty of water.To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by
heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency — call 911.
Fairfax County offers these pieces of advice for people to help avoid heat-related illness and other calamities:
- Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
- Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
- When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Do not drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages because they dehydrate the body.
The county suggests that residents without access to air conditioning should consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities, or visit one of Fairfax County’s Cooling Centers.
Heat and humidity will be on the rise through the rest of the week and into the weekend, with the hottest days likely to be FRI & SAT. pic.twitter.com/GhiPn2TBTl
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) July 19, 2017
As the area remains embroiled in a heat wave, the National Weather Service has again issued a heat advisory that will be in effect Thursday from noon to 7 p.m.
According to the NWS alert:
The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
issued a Heat Advisory, which is in effect from noon today to
7 PM EDT this evening.* HEAT INDEX VALUES…Up to around 105 degrees.
* IMPACTS…The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during
outdoor exertion or extended exposure.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Heat Advisory means that a period of high temperatures is
expected. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity
will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when
possible and drink plenty of water.To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by
heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke
is an emergency — call 911.
Heat advisories were issued last week as temperatures neared triple digits, as they are expected to do again in coming days.
Residents are encouraged to avoid any activity that keeps them in the extreme heat for lengthy periods of time. Anyone who must be outside in the heat should know the signs of heat-related illness.
Anyone who finds themselves in extreme distress because of a lack of air-conditioning or other means to keep themselves cool can seek the assistance of a county-designated cooling center. Local centers include the Reston Regional Library and Southgate Community Center.