PM Update: Piling on more 90s

Heat and lots of sun lasts through the work week

* Code Red air quality alert for Tuesday *
* Hurricane Earl could be a close call | Lessons from Hurricane Katrina *
* Outside now? Radar, temperatures & more: Weather Wall *

updated at 5:35 p.m. EDT

Today's temperatures in the mid-90s have pushed National Airport to 56 days at or above 90, and we're now tied with 2002 for the third most ever recorded in a year. Next up is 59 days to tie for second, and 60 will put 2010 in second on its own. The forecast for the week says it's likely we'll get one or both in a few days. On the plus side, dew points are running somewhat low, so we're not seeing terrible heat indices to go along with the high temperatures.

Through Tonight: Skies stay clear this evening and overnight. Temperatures fall back into the 80s by sunset on their way to lows in the mid-60s in the suburbs to the lower 70s downtown.

Tomorrow (Tuesday): We're looking at a near repeat of today with sunny skies and hot temperatures. Morning readings quickly rise through the 80s to around or past 90 by noon on their way to highs in the mid-90s across the area. Air quality is likely to be extremely poor and may cause issues for the general population.

See Jason Samenow's forecast through the weekend. And if you haven't already, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Hurricane hunters: Andrea Mustain of msnbc.com has a new story out about a NASA flight that visited Hurricane Earl yesterday. It gives a peek into what goes into a flight to monitor a hurricane over water. Read more about Hurricane hunters and see their current flight schedules for the next few days.