Baltimore Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Plus 2 More Alerts

BALTIMORE, MD — The National Weather Service has posted multiple weather alerts Friday for the Baltimore metro area due to potentially hazardous conditions.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Queen Anne's, St. Marys, Talbot and Washington counties as well as Baltimore City.

A heat advisory and an air quality alert were issued by the weather service, which advised possibly damaging storms could hit in waves midday Friday through the evening; however, they are not expected to provide respite from the heat.

Heat indices of 105 to 109 are expected for most of Maryland as well as parts of D.C. and Virginia.

The heat advisory takes effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13.

In Baltimore, the hottest point in the day is likely to be from 2 to 3 p.m., when it will feel like 107 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Related: Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Extended Through Friday

It will feel like it is above 100 degrees from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Baltimore, forecasters say.

The health commissioner has issued a code red extreme heat alert, which means senior centers around the city are open as cooling centers.

Here is the hour-by-hour forecast for Baltimore:

11 a.m. — Actual temperature 92 degrees; feels like 100

12 p.m. — 94 degrees; feels like 103

1 p.m. — 96 degrees; feels like 106

2 p.m. — 97 degrees; feels like 107

3 p.m. — 97 degrees; feels like 107

4 p.m. — 96 degrees; feels like 106

5 p.m. — 95 degrees; feels like 105

6 p.m. — 94 degrees; feels like 105

7 p.m. — 89 degrees; feels like 97

8 p.m. — 87 degrees; feels like 94

9 p.m. — 86 degrees; feels like 93

10 p.m. — 84 degrees; feels like 90

11 p.m. — 82 degrees; feels like 87

12 a.m. — 82 degrees; feels like 87

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'Code Orange' Air Quality Alert In Effect

A "code orange" air quality alert is in effect Friday for parts of the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Baltimore City is under the alert, along with Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Cecil, Harford and Howard counties.

The Maryland Department of the Environment issues a "code orange" alert when pollution concentrations may be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, heart/lung disease sufferers and asthmatics are considered sensitive.

To minimize the effects from the air quality, officials advise people in sensitive groups to avoid outdoor and strenuous activities.

Storms Possible Friday Afternoon

Due to the possibility of storms, the National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Friday afternoon and evening. It applies to Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Severe storms and flash flooding are possible in isolated cases during the afternoon and evening on Friday, according to the outlook.

They may hit Baltimore between 4 and 7 p.m., the weather service reported.

How To Stay Safe In The Heat

If someone has signs of heat-related illness, move the person to a cool, shaded area and call 911. Put cold, wet compresses on the person if possible.

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.

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

Lighten up. 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.