7
Very High
Extreme Heat Risk in Washington, DC
Risk Level: Very High — Score 7/10
FEMA: 7Historical: 10
Key Risk Factors
- FEMA rates Washington's county as Relatively High risk
- Estimated annual loss of $40M from this hazard type
- 6 events on record in proximity
- 3 event(s) in the last 12 months
- Average annual frequency: 6.1 events per year
Peak season: June-September
Last significant event: Cold Weather - Northern Virginia, United States (2026-02-07) — 250,000 people exposed
Highest Risk Cities for Extreme Heats
Washington is not in the top 10 for extreme heat risk among tracked cities.
How Washington Compares
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Notable Extreme Heat Events Near Washington
Cold Weather - Washington metro (DC, MD, Northern VA), United States
January 26, 2026 — ADVISORY
8,890,000 people exposed; $2,261,237M capital exposed
Extreme Heat - Northeastern United States
June 16, 2024 — WARNING
76,736,000 people exposed; $17,374,827M capital exposed
Extreme Heat - Eastern United States
June 22, 2025 — WARNING
91,006,790 people exposed; $21,897,084M capital exposed
Extreme Heat - Southern and Eastern United States
June 30, 2024 — WARNING
114,000,000 people exposed; $23,632,231M capital exposed
Cold Weather - Northern Virginia, United States
February 6, 2026 — ADVISORY
250,000 people exposed; $29,882M capital exposed
Extreme Heat Preparedness Tips
- 1.Stay hydrated — drink water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty
- 2.Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
- 3.Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- 4.Check on elderly neighbors and those without air conditioning
- 5.Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle
Related Pages
Earthquake Risk in Washington
Score: 7/10
Wildfire Risk in Washington
Score: 1/10
Hurricane Risk in Washington
Score: 7/10
Flood Risk in Washington
Score: 7/10
Tornado Risk in Washington
Score: 7/10
Winter Storm Risk in Washington
Score: 9/10
Landslide Risk in Washington
Score: 3/10
Drought Risk in Washington
Score: 0/10
High Wind Risk in Washington
Score: 9/10
Tsunami Risk in Washington
Score: 0/10
Extreme Heat Risk in Baltimore, MD
Score: 7/10
Extreme Heat Risk in Philadelphia, PA
Score: 9/10
Extreme Heat Risk in Virginia Beach, VA
Score: 5/10
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