Harsh temperatures are scorching the Washington metro region, with the heat index rising to more than 100 degrees Tuesday and expected to climb even higher today. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Tuesday and today, meaning blistering temperatures and high humidity put citizens at risk for heat-related illnesses.

The high at Reagan National Airport reached 94 degrees Tuesday, and a high of about 100 is expected for today with a 105- to 109-degree heat index.

The forecast calls for the area to remain steamy Thursday and Friday, with temperatures in the mid-to low 90s, then cool into the 80s over the weekend.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Brian Lasorsa said the average temperature for the region in August is 88 degrees, and today’s heat will challenge record highs at Dulles Airport and in Baltimore. He said, however, the temperatures are normal.

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“[This summer is] not that bad, actually,” Lasorsa said. “We’ve had a couple of hot days, but we haven’t had prolonged heat waves. It’s pretty close to average.”

The Metropolitan Council of Governments also issued a Code Orange air-quality warning for Tuesday and today, meaning children and those with respiratory and heart problems are at risk.

D.C.’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management responded to the heat advisory by opening four cooling centers in the District. Fairfax County has had portable fans and window air-conditioning units available to eligible elderly and disabled residents since June 1 and will continue the program through September.

Merni Fitzgerald, representative for the Fairfax County government, said residents should seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of fluids and check on elderly neighbors.

The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services had an increase in heat-related calls Tuesday, spokesman Alan Etter said.

Other residents are finding ways to beat the heat. Jan Davis, 30, of Rockville, was cooling down with a smoothie outside an ice cream shop in Northwest D.C. on Tuesday.

“I would describe the heat as oppressive,” Davis said. “I feel bad for the people who are working outside today.”