Dangerous heat wave in Virginia stretches into the weekend

We wish we weren't back with more heat wave news, but all of Virginia is facing moderate to extreme heat risk this weekend.

Why it matters: These are dangerously high levels of heat that can affect anyone without proper hydration or access to AC, which can mean increases in heat-related ER visits.

The big picture: That's according to the National Weather Service's HeatRisk tool , which provides a forecast risk of heat-related impacts.

• The worst of it will be on Sunday, which has a high near 100°F .
• Eric Seymour, a meteorologist for the NWS Wakefield office in Virginia, tells Axios it could feel like 105 or higher to the human body.
• That's the range in which the NWS would consider issuing heat advisories , which are used when conditions can be life-threatening.

Zoom in: The Richmond area is seeing temperatures that are between 5 and 10 degrees above what's usually normal this time of year, Seymour said.

Why that's dangerous: This is the first extreme heat wave of the season, which means our bodies haven't acclimated to the heat.

• The temperatures are in the mid-to-upper 90s, and the humidity is an additional stress to the body.
• Plus, human-caused climate change is making heat waves more likely, more intense and longer-lasting , which can escalate health risks, lead to power outages, slow railways and melt airport tarmacs .

Seymour's safety recommendations:

• If you have AC, use it.
• Stay in the shade and keep hydrated.
• Limit alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which can dehydrate you.
• Limit outdoor activities to when temperatures are cooler (earlier in the day or at night).

Yes, but: " For most of us who have access to air conditioning and things like that, it's kind of easy to get through this type of event," Seymour said.

• "But for folks that don't have access to those things, this can be a little bit more critical and impactful for them."

For a break from the heat: All GRTC buses have AC.

• Richmond has two cooling stations with water and AC at 900 E. Marshall St. and 4100 Hull St. from 11am-6pm Monday through Saturday this week.
• Richmond Public Libraries. Check out their hours here .

What's next: There's potential for rain early next week, which Seymour says could temporarily knock the temperatures down, but then it's forecasted to shoot back up to a high near 98 on Wednesday.

Go deeper:

• Searing heat wave drives record temperatures across eastern U.S.
• How to keep your smartphone cool during a heat wave .