107-Degree Heat Forecast: Where To Cool Off In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — With temperatures of 107 degrees on the heat index forecast for Bel Air, cooling centers have opened across Harford County, and people are encouraged to stay in air-conditioned or shaded spaces. A heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3.

The National Weather Service issued the heat advisory, warning people that heat-related illness are possible. Temperatures in the mid 90s will feel like up to 109 degrees, weather officials advised, in part due to high humidity.

The forecast for Bel Air from the National Weather Service shows that the hottest period will be from 3 to 5 p.m., with the heat index reaching 107 degrees at 4 p.m.

The heat advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, for Baltimore City and these counties in central Maryland: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's. The District of Columbia is also included.

It is the third consecutive day the area is under a heat advisory.

To avoid becoming ill, people should reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening; drink water; and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Those working outside should take frequent breaks in shade or air-conditioning.

A "code orange" air quality alert is in effect Tuesday for Harford County as well as Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll and Howard counties and Baltimore City. 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.

Cooling Centers Open In Harford County

The Harford County Department of Emergency Services, Harford County Public Library and Harford County Health Department will offer “Cooling Centers” at all library branches during normal business hours.

All branches are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except for Darlington, which is open from 3 to 8 p.m.), officials say:

• Aberdeen – 21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen, Maryland 21001
• Abingdon – 2510 Tollgate Road Abingdon, Maryland 21009
• Bel Air – 100 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland 21014
• Darlington – 1134 Main Street, Darlington, Maryland 21034
• Edgewood – 629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood, Maryland 21040
• Fallston – 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston, Maryland 21047
• Havre de Grace – 120 N. Union Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
• Jarrettsville – 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville, Maryland 21084
• Joppa – 655 Towne Center Drive, Joppa, Maryland 21085
• Norrisville – 5310 Norrisville Road, White Hall, Maryland 21161
• Whiteford –2407 Whiteford Road, Whiteford, Maryland 21160

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.

Graphic via National Weather Service.