Maryland Weather Alert: Heat Advisory Issued, Thunderstorms Likely

BALTIMORE, MD — A heat advisory is in effect for much of Maryland from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18. During a heat advisory, high temperatures and high humidity create an environment where heat-related illnesses are possible. Those without air conditioning and people working outside are at the greatest risk.

Heat indices of 105 degrees are expected on Friday, Aug. 18, the National Weather Service says; actual temperatures will be in the mid 90s. The hottest period of the day will be from 2 to 6 p.m., based on the forecast. Thunderstorms are likely in the afternoon and evening, weather officials said, mainly after 5 p.m. Look for increasing clouds, with a high near 92. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

The following are included in the heat advisory: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties, as well as the District of Columbia and parts of Virginia.

Cities in the advisory include Washington, Baltimore, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton, College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate, Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, St. Charles, Waldorf, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Columbia, and Ellicott City.
People in sensitive groups should avoid strenuous and outdoor activities on Friday.

How to Stay Safe in the Heat

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, can be fatal if not treated immediately. It occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly and the sweating mechanism fails, leading to overheating without a way to cool down.

Symptoms include confusion; slurred speech; seizures; hot, dry skin or extreme sweating; altered mental status; very high body temperature; and loss of consciousness/coma. If someone exhibits signs of heat-related illness, move the person to a cool, shaded area and call 911.

Here are several ways to stay safe during the heat advisory period:

• Dress light. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay inside. If air-conditioning is not available, go to the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool; they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

Weekend forecast:

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 105. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 72. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday night: A slight chance of showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.

Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

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