First Alert Weather Day: Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10pm

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Today is a First Alert Weather Day and we have a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for all of central and southern Virginia until 10pm.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10pm for all of central and southern Virginia. — Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10pm for all of central and southern Virginia.(WWBT)

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded most of central and eastern Virginia to level 3 out of 5 enhanced risk for severe storms. That means numerous strong to severe storms are expected. Damaging wind gusts remain the main threat with those storms. Frequent lightning, large hail, and downpours will also be possible with these storms.

Unlike the last several days when storms were few and far between, we think coverage of potentially strong to severe storms will be greater late Monday afternoon into Monday evening.

If you have any outdoor plans, remember when thunder roars, go indoors. As soon as the sky starts to turn threatening, it is time to go inside a sturdy building.

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded central and eastern Virginia to a level 3 out of 5... — The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded central and eastern Virginia to a level 3 out of 5 enhanced risk for severe storms.(WWBT)

It will also be the hottest day of the year so far for most locations across central and southern Virginia.

A Heat Advisory is in effect for Sussex, Greensville, Brunswick, Mathews, Gloucester and Surry counties from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday where the hottest temperatures are expected. High temperatures will reach the mid-90s, and it could feel like near 107° for a time. The rest of central Virginia will also be exceedingly hot and humid, with a heat index near or above 100° in RVA.

A Heat Advisory is in effect Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for heat index values up to 107... — A Heat Advisory is in effect Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for heat index values up to 107 degrees across southern and southeastern Virginia.(WWBT)

Use caution when outdoors, drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in the shade and air conditioning on Monday. Sunscreen is a must if spending any length of time outside. Also make sure to bring your pets inside where it is cooler and give them plenty of water.

Be sure to download the NBC12 First Alert Weather app to stay updated on the heat and storm risk!

You can find the app in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

The NBC12 First Alert weather app features updated video forecasts throughout the day, an hour-by-hour forecast, severe weather alerts and much more.

You can also download the NBC12 app on Roku, Google Play, Apple, and Amazon Fire for news and weather updates.

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