105 Degree 'Feels Like' Heat To Bake Maryland: Weekend Forecast

BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland will sizzle through Wednesday under a mix of heat and humidity, the National Weather Service predicts, with the "feels like" temperature topping 100 degrees by Sunday and into next week. Thunderstorms are likely Friday before temperatures climb.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain across portions of southern Maryland, and adjacent waters of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay Friday afternoon and evening. A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for parts of Baltimore, Prince George's, Anne Arundel and Harford counties, along with the District of Columbia.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange air quality alert Saturday for the Baltimore metro area. The alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, including people who suffer from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly.

The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles visit the www.mde.state.md.us/air or call 410-537-3000.

Increasing heat and humidity may lead to a heat index near or above 105 degrees Sunday through Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

The extreme heat wave is expected to bake the Mid-Atlantic region starting this weekend, according to the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang. Forecasters expect temperatures in the 90s and 100s and heat indexes up to 110 degrees.

That's accompanied by tropical-like humidity, which the forecasters say "poses health risks to anyone without access to cooling, especially vulnerable populations such as those with preexisting medical conditions and the elderly."

Anne Arundel County will open cooling centers from Friday until 10 p.m. Tuesday at county police district station community rooms.

Residents, especially those with underlying health conditions, are urged to plan ahead for the extreme heat event. Prolonged exposure to the high temperatures and humidity can cause heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or cramps — and heat stroke in severe cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of symptoms to watch for and what to do in situations of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

Health officials say Marylanders should stay inside during the heat wave, limit exposure to the sun, drink plenty of water and wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Residents should also check on neighbors with health issues or those without air conditioning.

Here is the National Weather Service weather forecast for the next week in Maryland:

Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 101. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 95. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 78.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 50%.