Cooling Centers Open As MD Sees Sizzling Temperatures

ANNE ARUNDEL CO., MD — Cooling centers opened Tuesday in Annapolis for the first time this season, as temperatures in the mid-90s descended on the region.

AccuWeather earlier said that feel-like temperatures have the potential to exceed 100 degrees in some parts of the state. The region broke records on Monday when 95-degree conditions were recorded at BWI Marshall Airport.

The hot and humid weather will stick around through Wednesday afternoon, when severe thunderstorms are expected to develop.

Respite from the heat arrives on Thursday. Temperatures are forecast to drop by as much as 30 degrees.

Related: MD Slammed With Intense Heat, Humidity Ahead of Storms

The humid heat comes as the region is under a Code Orange air quality, meaning air pollution conditions may be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Alerts were issued for parts of Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne's counties.

“When summer temperatures spike, Annapolis shows its true strength in taking care of its own,” Mayor Jared Littmann said in a release.

“Our cooling centers are open and ready, but the most important tool we have is each other. Please check in on your neighbors, share a bottle of water, and help guide anyone who needs to be at a cooling site. Let’s make sure no one in Annapolis has to brave this heat alone.”

On Tuesday, cooling centers in Annapolis can be found at the below sites:

• Roger "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center
  273 Hilltop Lane
  Open until 6 p.m.
• American Legion Post 141
  1707 Forest Drive
  Open until 6:00 p.m.
• Annapolis Michael E. Busch Library
  1410 West St.
  Open until 5 p.m.
• Annapolis Senior Activity Center
  119 S. Villa Ave.
  Open until 4 p.m.

County Cooling Centers

From police stations to public libraries and senior centers, multiple cooling centers are available across the county.

Some centers include:

• Police stations at:
  204 Pasadena Road
  Pasadena
  (410) 222-6145
  
  8273 Telegraph Road
  Odenton
  (410) 222-6155
  
  35 Stepneys Lane
  Edgewater
  (410) 222-1961
  
• Senior activity centers at:
  1275 Odenton Road
  Odenton
  (410) 222-6227
  
  4103 Mountain Road
  Pasadena
  (410) 222-0030
  
  125 Dorsey Road
  Glen Burnie
  (410) 222-6680

Pets are not allowed at county facilities, but accommodations can be made for service animals.

Find a comprehensive list of the county's cooling centers online.

Warning Signs + Tips On Staying Cool

Heat-related illnesses happen when the body is unable to cool itself. Some warning signs to watch out for include muscle contractions, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and paleness.

The most deadly form of a heat-related illness is heat stroke, which happens when a body temperature rapidly spikes.

Permanent brain damage can occur.

Officials say residents should limit outdoor activities, regularly drink water, and never leave children or pets in a parked car during excessive heat days.