Eileen Whelan
Coverage of Eileen Whelan in the Nexus archive.
- DC region under code red air quality alert due to heat and smoky skies
The D.C. region is under a code red air quality alert due to heat and smoke from Canadian wildfires, making the air unhealthy for all, especially those with health issues. A code purple alert affects areas west of Interstate 81, and air quality is expected to improve by Saturday as a cold front brings rain and storms.
- Hot, humid and miserable: DC-area heat wave adds smoky skies, possible storms
The D.C. region is experiencing a heat wave with high temperatures in the 90s and smoky skies due to Canadian wildfires. A code orange air quality alert warns sensitive groups, including children and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activity. Possible thunderstorms and reduced visibility are expected, with some relief anticipated next week.
- Another round of showers, thunderstorms likely for DC area
The D.C. area is expected to experience showers and thunderstorms on Friday afternoon, with muggy conditions on Saturday and a return of high temperatures in the 90s starting Tuesday. Meteorologist Eileen Whelan notes that while Friday's storms may produce damaging winds and heavy rain, they are not as severe as Thursday's storm.
- DC region bakes again Friday after record-breaking heat
The DC region faces extreme heat again on Friday with temperatures reaching 100-105°F and heat indices up to 112°F, posing life-threatening conditions. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect, with potential record-breaking highs at Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. Isolated severe storms are possible in the afternoon and evening, with increased chances of storms affecting Fourth of July plans.
- Heat index hit 110 in DC region to kick off July Fourth heat wave
The DC region experienced a heat index of 110 on July 2, 2026, marking the start of a heat wave with record-breaking temperatures, including 102°F at Reagan National Airport. Extreme heat warnings are in effect through the Fourth of July, with cooling centers opening and potential storms forecasted for later in the week.
- Dangerous heat bears down on DC area to open July
A dangerous heat wave is affecting the D.C. region, with temperatures potentially reaching 103°F and heat indices exceeding 107°F. Heat advisories are in effect until Sunday, and similar extreme heat is impacting parts of Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and other states, prompting cooling centers and event cancellations.
- Dangerous heat and severe storm risks move into DC region
The D.C. region is experiencing dangerous heat with highs in the 90s and a heat index up to 105, followed by severe storms expected in the afternoon, prompting a level 2 risk from the Storm Prediction Center.