Code Red In Baltimore: Heat Closes Lexington Market

BALTIMORE, MD — Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90s in Baltimore and feel like up to 107 degrees on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The heat prompted a code red declaration from Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen through Tuesday, July 3.

"Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those in our city who are the most vulnerable," Wen said. "With this period of extreme heat expected, it is important for all residents to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. Please be cautious and remember to stay cool and hydrated today."

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from noon to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 2.

Lexington Market will be closed on Monday, July 2, so crews can repair its cooling system. Elsewhere around the city, community centers will open so that residents can cool off.

Here is an idea of the temperatures from the National Weather Service, which indicates it will feel like at least 106 degrees from 2 to 5 p.m. on Monday, July 2.

These cooling centers will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday through the Mayor's Office of Human Services' Community Action Partnership:

• 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 Health Department’s Division of Aging and CARE Services will also open the following senior centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday:

• Waxter Center for Senior Citizens: 1000 Cathedral Street, (410) 396-1324
• Oliver Center: 1700 Gay Street, (410) 396-3861
• Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center: 1601 N. Baker Street, (410) 396-7725
• Hatton Center: 2825 Fait Avenue, (410) 396-9025
• John Booth: 2601 E. Baltimore St., (410) 396-9202
• Zeta Center: 4501 Reisterstown Rd., (410) 396-3535

ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave, 21207) will open as a community cooling center during its regular hours.

The Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.

“We can prevent heat from killing our citizens,” Wen added. “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.”

City residents who want information on the closest cooling center or who are concerned about a neighbor can call 311.

Image courtesy of National weather Service.