Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Issued July 3-6 In Baltimore City

BALTIMORE, MD — With heat and humidity expected to grip the Baltimore region the rest of the week, and a "feels like" temperature climbing close to 100 degrees, Baltimore City Health officials have issued a code red extreme heat alert for Wednesday, July 3, through Saturday, July 6. Highs are expected reach the low 90 for the next four days.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a code orange air quality alert Wednesday for the Baltimore metro area. The alert means that air pollution concentrations may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases, and the elderly. Those affected should avoid strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.

“Excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States. The effects of extreme heat are exacerbated in urban areas, especially when combined with high humidity and poor air quality,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa in a news release. “Extreme heat is particularly dangerous to young children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions. I encourage all residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves, as well as their families, neighbors, and pets.”

These cooling centers will be open on Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• 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
• Eastern Community Action Partnership Center 1731 E. Chase Street, (410) 545-0136

These sites will be open as cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday:

• Waxter Center for Senior Citizens 1000 Cathedral Street, (410) 396-1324

The Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours. City residents can also find relief from the heat at:

• Stores
• Malls
• Movie Theaters
• Homes of family or friends with air conditioning
• Restaurants
• Libraries
• Museums

During the Code Red Extreme Heat season, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that residents:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Reduce outside activities.
• Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
• Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations.
• Check on older, sick, or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time.
• Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur:
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Lightheadedness
  • High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
  • Hot, dry, flushed skin
  • Rapid or slowed heartbeat

City residents who want cooling center information on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days can call 311. Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.

Information on declared Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days will be shared on the Health Department’s website.