Residents of the DC region and Maryland are bracing for a sweltering weekend as heat advisories have been issued, with temperatures expected to reach dangerous levels. The heat index could soar to around 109 degrees, prompting alerts and causing health officials to encourage public caution. Amid the extreme temperatures, the area is also facing the threat of strong storms, particularly as the weekend approaches. With multiple alerts in place, including Code Red Extreme Heat Alerts in Baltimore, officials are opening cooling centers and urging the public to stay hydrated. The National Weather Service has issued hazardous weather outlooks, forecasting both intense heat and severe thunderstorms as the sweltering conditions persist through the weekend.