The National Weather Service has expanded the Extreme Heat Watch to include Saturday, July 4. Dangerous heat is expected to continue through the Independence Day weekend.

• What: For the Friday Heat Warning, heat index values up to 112 are expected. For the Saturday Extreme Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 are possible.
• Impacts: The expected hot weather increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.

Drink plenty of water before temperatures rise to prevent feeling sick from dehydration.

New Cooling Locations Opened:

• Carpenter's Shelter, 2355 A Mill Rd., will be open for those needing a safe, cool place. The Shelter will be open Thursday, July 2, at 1 p.m. through Monday, July 6 at 7 a.m. For more information, call 703.746.6551.

• Another DASH Cooling Bus is open at S Van Dorn & Edsall Rd in the LA Mart Parking Lot from Thursday, July 2 and Friday, July 3, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cooling stations are open at the following locations:

• DASH Cooling Bus, King Street near City Hall (in front of 417 King St.), Wednesday, July 1 starting at 8:30 a.m. through Sunday, July 5 at 4 p.m.
• Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

• All Alexandria Museums will be open during their regular hours this weekend. Admission is free for Alexandria residents. You can get out of the heat and learn more about the City's history!

• The free, air-conditioned Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 3. Enjoy three floors of artist studios and stay out of the sun!

• The Visitors Center, 221 King Street, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. a great way to find things to do indoors while cooling off.

Protect yourself by learning about the signs of heat illnesses

If you notice signs of heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness, you may be experiencing heat exhaustion.

If you notice an extremely high body temperature, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, or become unconscious, you may be experiencing heat stroke. Take action by moving to a cool location, including City facilities, and rest and drink fluids. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Learn more from the Alexandria Health Department.

For nonemergency questions about cooling locations or other City services, residents can call 703.746.4311. Call 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance.

For the most up-to-date information about weather, city operations, and cooling locations, please visit alexandriava.gov/Alert.