Heat Advisory Today; Extreme Heat Warning Issued for Thursday-Friday
TL;DR: Heat Advisory in effect today (July 1) with heat index reaching 105°F, followed by an Extreme Heat Warning Thursday-Friday with dangerous conditions and heat index up to 112°F.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County residents, Colonial Heights residents, and surrounding areas in Hanover and Henrico Counties
- What: Heat Advisory today through 8 PM EDT; Extreme Heat Warning Thursday 10 AM through Friday 8 PM EDT
- When: July 1 (today) through July 4, 2026
- Where: Eastern and Western Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Hanover County, and Henrico County
The story
The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for Chesterfield County and surrounding areas effective today (July 1) through 8 PM EDT, with heat index values reaching up to 105°F. Beginning Thursday morning at 10 AM, an Extreme Heat Warning takes effect and continues through Friday evening at 8 PM EDT, with dangerously hot conditions and heat index values climbing to 112°F. The alerts affect Eastern and Western Chesterfield County, including Colonial Heights, as well as portions of Hanover and Henrico Counties.
Heat index values combine temperature and humidity to reflect how hot conditions actually feel. At these levels, the National Weather Service cautions that sunstroke, muscle cramps, and heat exhaustion are likely, with heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity. County residents should remain in air-conditioned spaces during peak heat hours, stay well-hydrated, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
Chesterfield County is opening Meadowdale Library at 4301 Meadowdale Boulevard as a cooling center on Friday, July 3, Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can also cool off at the county's splash pads at Beulah Recreation Center and River City Sportsplex. County officials are monitoring conditions and community demand and may expand services if needed. The county also offers cooling assistance through an energy assistance program for eligible residents containing vulnerable individuals (age 60 or over, disabled, or under age six).
Heat-related illness requires immediate action. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps; these require moving to a cool place and drinking water. Heat stroke, characterized by hot skin, confusion, or loss of consciousness, is a medical emergency and requires calling 911 immediately. Residents should also check on elderly neighbors and avoid leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Key players
- National Weather Service (Wakefield, Virginia): Issued the Heat Advisory and Extreme Heat Warning alerts
- Chesterfield County Emergency Management: Coordinating emergency response and opening cooling centers
Key dates
- 2026-07-01: Heat Advisory in effect through 8 PM EDT
- 2026-07-03: Extreme Heat Warning begins 10 AM; Meadowdale Library cooling center opens 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 2026-07-04: Extreme Heat Warning continues; Meadowdale Library cooling center open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 2026-07-05: Meadowdale Library cooling center open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The case for
Opening cooling centers and providing heat safety resources helps protect vulnerable populations, particularly older adults and young children who face higher risk during extreme heat. Access to air-conditioned spaces and cooling assistance programs can prevent heat-related illness and saves lives during dangerous weather events.
The case against
Cooling centers have limited hours and locations, and not all residents may have reliable transportation to reach them or access to air conditioning at home. Some families may face barriers to using cooling assistance programs due to income eligibility requirements or unfamiliarity with available resources, leaving some residents without adequate protection during extreme heat.
Why it matters: Extreme heat poses immediate health risks to Chesterfield County residents, particularly children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses. Knowing where cooling centers are located and recognizing signs of heat-related illness can be life-saving during Thursday and Friday's dangerous conditions.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-07-01Heat Advisory Issued: NWS Wakefield Virginia issues Heat Advisory for Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico Counties with heat index up to 105°F, effective through 8 PM EDT [[source]](https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.77aee1d7c7ac32d50f86e7a7dc065f72df53a18b.006.3)
- 2026-07-01Extreme Heat Warning Issued: NWS issues Extreme Heat Warning for Thursday 10 AM through Friday 8 PM EDT with dangerously hot conditions and heat index up to 112°F [[source]](https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.77aee1d7c7ac32d50f86e7a7dc065f72df53a18b.006.3)
- 2026-07-03Cooling Centers Open: Chesterfield County opens Meadowdale Library cooling center (4301 Meadowdale Boulevard) Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; splash pads at Beulah Recreation Center and River City Sportsplex available [[source]](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/06/30/chesterfield-other-localities-announce-plans-incoming-extreme-heat/)
Related links
- Chesterfield County Emergency Management
- Chesterfield Alert System (Emergency Notifications)
- Cooling Assistance Program
- National Weather Service Heat Safety
Read the original at NWS Weather Alerts →
Sources
- National Weather Service Alert (NWS Wakefield Virginia)
- Chesterfield County Emergency Management
- Central Virginia Cooling Centers Announced for Extreme Heat
- National Weather Service Heat Safety
- NOAA Heat Index Chart with Health Effects
- Extreme Heat Warning: Heat Index to Reach 112
- Heat Advisory, Extreme Heat Watch Issued for Chesterfield