Richmond, Va. – Temperatures across Virginia, Maryland, and northeast North Carolina will soar into dangerous territory Thursday as a heat advisory blankets the region, bringing heat index values as high as 109°F. Cities including Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Salisbury could see the hottest afternoon so far this summer, increasing the risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, the heat advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, covering southeast Maryland, central and eastern Virginia, and several northeast North Carolina counties such as Camden and Gates. Local agencies warn that anyone without access to air conditioning should seek cooling centers or public spaces to avoid dangerous heat illness.
Key areas under the advisory include Dorchester, Wicomico, and Worcester counties in Maryland; Richmond, Chesterfield, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Accomack, and Isle of Wight in Virginia; and Camden, Chowan, and Perquimans counties in North Carolina. Emergency managers advise residents to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, limit outdoor activity, and check on elderly neighbors and pets. Major roads like I-64, I-95, and US-13 may see more heat-related vehicle issues and roadside emergencies.
This heat wave follows a stretch of above-normal July temperatures and marks one of the highest heat index readings of 2025. Schools, day camps, and outdoor workers should take extra breaks and seek shade, especially during the afternoon peak.
The advisory remains active until 8 p.m. Thursday, with more heat alerts possible into the weekend as humidity lingers.
