Massive deluges, flooded out streets, crime emergencies. The Washington region has been hit with some extreme elements already this summer, and, according to our friends over at Capital Weather, we are about to enter a “dangerous, excessive heat event.” How dangerous and excessive? Just peep their graphic, which indicates there will be a gradual elevation of the temperature, followed by the sky turning red and the rivers running with blood.

CW states that the coming days will be hottest “since…2002.” In the face of this hellish onslaught from the hated Sun, DCist offers the following recommendations:

• Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater outside over the next week, especially if you are like our own DCist Amanda, and prone to charbroiling.
• Stay conscientious about hydration. Even after you get into your nice, air conditioned office, have a few extra glasses of water, and try to keep some with you as you venture outside.
• It’s advisable to take public transportation during these sorts of heat waves, to lessen the often crapulent air quality in the city. WMATA has been known to encourage travellers to use the system by offering free bus service during periods of extreme heat. There’s been no word yet on whether free service will be offered, but we’ll keep you posted.
• Be on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Nausea, elevated body temperature, and faintness are the typical signs for which to watch.
• Area kickball enthusiasts are advised to just skip to the part of your activities where you all get wasted as if you were eighteen and discovering beer for the first time.
• And, if at all possible, try not to be that albino dude from The DaVinci Code.

DCist will continue to monitor any impact the upcoming deadly heat wave will have on your day-to-day activity. It’s Scorcher 2006, and we’ll be covering it from every possible angle.