Code Red In Baltimore With 106-Degree Heat Index Forecast

BALTIMORE, MD — Temperatures may climb into the upper 90s in Charm City on Tuesday and feel like the triple digits for most of the afternoon. Wednesday is expected to be just as hot, if not hotter.

Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen issued a code red extreme heat alert for Tuesday, Aug. 28, and Wednesday, Aug. 29. The alert means that the heat is severe enough to threaten the life or health of vulnerable residents, and people may need to use caution if they are outdoors.

"Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions," Wen said. "All residents should protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. It’s important to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with your neighbors, especially seniors and medically frail individuals who live alone or without air conditioning during times of extreme heat."

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Baltimore from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Also under the heat advisory are Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Charles, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

A heat advisory means that high temperatures and high humidity will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.

To avoid becoming ill during the advisory period, people should reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening; drink water; and wear loose, light-fitting clothing.

Those working outside should take frequent breaks in shade or air-conditioning.

Here's a timeline of the "feels like" temperatures, based on the National Weather Service forecast for Tuesday, Aug. 28, in Baltimore:

• 10 a.m.: 94 degrees
• 11 a.m.: 99 degrees
• Noon: 103 degrees
• 1 p.m.: 103 degrees
• 2 p.m.: 105 degrees
• 3 p.m.: 106 degrees
• 4 p.m.: 106 degrees
• 5 p.m.: 105 degrees
• 6 p.m.: 102 degrees
• 7 p.m.: 99 degrees
• 8 p.m.: 97 degrees
• 9 p.m.: 94 degrees
• 10 p.m.: 91 degrees

The Mayor's Office of Human Services’ Community Action Partnership will open the following cooling centers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, and Wednesday, Aug. 29:

• Northern Community Action Partnership Center, 5225 York Road, 410-396-6084
• Southern Community Action Partnership Center, 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center 2nd floor), 410-545-0900
• Northwest Community Action Partnership Center, 3939 Reisterstown Road, 443-984-1384
• Southeast Community Action Partnership Center, 3411 Bank Street, 410-545-6518

The Baltimore City Health Department’s Division of Aging and CARE Services will also open the following senior centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, and Wednesday, Aug. 29:

• Waxter Center for Senior Citizens, 1000 Cathedral Street, 410-396-1324
• Oliver Senior Center, 1700 Gay Street, 410-396-3861
• Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center, 1601 N. Baker Street, 410-396-7725
• Baltimore Hatton Senior Center, 2825 Fait Avenue, 410-396-9025
• John Booth Senior Center, 2601 E. Baltimore Street, 410-396-9202
• Zeta Center For Healthy And Active Aging, 4501 Reisterstown Road, 410-396-3535
• ShopRite Howard Park, 4601 Liberty Heights Avenue, will be open as a community cooling center
• The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.

A code orange air quality alert has also been issued for the Baltimore metropolitan area on Tuesday, Aug. 28. The alert means that pollution concentrations may be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Children, older adults, heart/lung disease sufferers and asthmatics are considered sensitive; they should avoid strenuous activity and outdoor exercise Tuesday to minimize the effects from the air quality, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment, which issued the alert.

In addition to Baltimore City, the alert applies to Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.

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:

• 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.

Image via Shutterstock. Graphic above courtesy of the National Weather Service.