Temperatures inched toward 90 degrees in the D.C. area Saturday as protesters made their way downtown, according to Storm Team4 meteorologist Lauryn Ricketts. Thick humidity is also in the forecast, after heavy rain drenched the region the night before. “So make sure if you’re out and about you’re staying hydrated,” Ricketts said on a day when mass protests are expected in the District. “You’re going to need that extra water intake because it’s going to be just so hot and sticky out there.” Ricketts said.

A foggy start this morning with temps rising to the lower 90s by this afternoon. Expect sunshine and clouds today with thick humidity. After 2pm, there is a 20% chance of some storms (a few could be strong) – mianly along I95 & points east. pic.twitter.com/1XmojZ4skj

— Lauryn Ricketts (@laurynricketts) June 6, 2020

D.C. police Chief Peter Newsham said the city has set up cooling centers for people to get relief from the heat. Four cooling centers are available for protesters or anyone who needs to cool off Saturday:

• John Wesley AMEZ Church, 1615 14th St NW, Washington, DC
• Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St NW, Washington, DC
• New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC
• National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Cir NW, Washington, DC

In downtown D.C., Ricketts said the heat index will peak at 96 degrees:

• 2 p.m.: 89° – heat index: 92°
• 3 p.m.: 91° – heat index: 95°
• 4 p.m.: 92° – heat index: 96°
• 5 p.m.: 91° – heat index: 93° (peak humidity)
• 6 p.m.: 88° – heat index: 88°

But it may not be sunny across the region all day. Ricketts said the D.C. area saw 1.25 inches of rain Friday, and more could be on the way. “We’re going to have an isolated chance of some showers and storms, not like the coverage we saw yesterday, but we will carry an isolated chance after about 2 p.m. and I think the best chance is going to be right along the I-95 corridor and points to the south and east,” she said.

Forecast

SATURDAY: Hot and humid. Morning fog and a 20% chance of storms after 2 p.m. Temperatures: Lower 90s for highs OVERNIGHT: Clear with falling humidity Temperatures: 60s SUNDAY: Sunny with low humidity Temps: Around 80 degrees MONDAY: Beautiful, sunny and comfortable Temperatures: Around 80 degrees Tuesday: Sunny and warmer Temperatures: Upper 80s