Virginia: Tornado, hail possible on Thursday; heat wave arrives next week

Severe weather is possible Thursday with the potential for high winds and a possible tornado in Virginia, according to AccuWeather.

The severe weather potential alert for the region runs from 1 p.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. on Friday.

Severe thunderstorms may produce damaging winds, heavy rain, hail, lightning and localized tornados. Wind speeds may exceed 65 miles per hour.

AccuWeather recommends monitoring conditions for severe weather.

The storms will be in advance of the highest temperatures of the year which will include 90-degree days next week. Temperatures are expected to be five to fifteen degrees above average with little relief at night. Some areas may see temperatures in the triple digits.

“From June 23-25, dangerous heat will focus on the Northeast region with widespread highs in the 90s and some areas approaching or exceeding 100 F, resulting in a surge in energy demands and the need to limit exposure to the extreme conditions,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus said.