Code Red Issued, Dangerous Heat Expected: Timeline To 102 Degrees

BALTIMORE, MD — The Baltimore health commissioner has issued a code red extreme heat alert for Tuesday, Aug. 20, as well as Monday, Aug. 19. Excessive heat can be deadly, and the city has opened cooling centers to help residents stay safe.

Temperatures may feel like 102 at the hottest time of day in Baltimore Monday, based on the forecast from the National Weather Service. The heat index incorporates the actual temperature and humidity to determine how hot it will feel like it is outside.

It will feel hotter than 100 degrees between noon and 7 p.m. in Baltimore, with the peak of the heat expected to hit from 2 to 5 p.m.

Here's the timeline to 102 degrees on the heat index in Baltimore, based on the forecast:

• 10 a.m. — 91 on heat index; actual temp is 84 degrees
• 11 a.m. — 95 on heat index; actual 87
• 12 p.m.— 98 on heat index; actual 90
• 1 p.m. — 101 on heat index; actual 92
• 2 p.m. — 102 on heat index; actual 93
• 3 p.m. — 102 on heat index; actual 94
• 4 p.m. — 102 on heat index; actual 94
• 5 p.m. — 102 on heat index; actual 93
• 6 p.m. — 101 on heat index; actual 92
• 7 p.m.—98 on heat index; actual 90
• 8 p.m.— 96 on heat index; actual 88
• 9 p.m. — 93 on heat index;actual 86
• 10 p.m. — 90 on heat index; actual 84
• 11 p.m. — 87 on heat index; actual 82

"The effects of extreme heat are exacerbated in urban areas especially when combined with high humidity and poor air quality," Baltimore Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa said in a statement, noting that excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States.

"Extreme heat is particularly dangerous to young children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions," Dzirasa said. "I encourage all residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves as well as their families, neighbors, and pets."

Where To Stay Cool In Baltimore

During a code red heat advisory, the city offers resources to help residents stay cool. Residents looking for cooling center information on code red extreme heat alert days can call 311.

The Community Action Partnership Centers will open these cooling centers Monday from 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.:

• Northern Community Action Partnership Center, 5225 York Road, 410-396-6084
• Southern Community Action Partnership Center (closed Sunday), 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

The Health Department's Division of Aging and CARE Services will also open the following locations as cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday:

• 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
• Hatton Senior Center, 2825 Fait Avenue, 410-396-9025
• John Booth/Hooper Senior Center, 2601 E. Baltimore Street, 410-396-9202
• Zeta Center 4501 Reisterstown Road, 410-396-3535
• Harford Center, 4920 Harford Road, 410-426-4009

ShopRite Howard Park at 4601 Liberty Heights Avenue will also be open as a community cooling center from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will extend pool hours.

Stay Vigilant For Signs Of Heat-Related Illness

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Get medical help immediately if these occur:

• Confusion
• Nausea
• Lightheaded feeling
• High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
• Hot, dry, flushed skin
• Rapid or slowed heartbeat

Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.

Heat To Continue This Week: Forecast

Below is the Baltimore forecast from the National Weather Service.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 102. Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of 77. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 94 and low of 74 at night. Heat indices may reach 103. There could be patchy fog before 9 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 93 and low around 76. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 90 and low around 67. A chance of showers, with thunderstorms possible. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81 and low of 65. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82 and low of 66. A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.