101 Degrees On The Heat Index In Howard County: Forecast

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Temperatures will be in the mid 90s in Howard County on Tuesday, and they will feel like the triple digits for much of the afternoon. Wednesday is expected to be just as hot, if not hotter.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Howard County, effective from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Also under the advisory are Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Charles, Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

A heat advisory means that high temperatures and high humidity will increase the potential for heat-related illnesses.

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

Here's a timeline of the "feels like" temperatures, based on the National Weather Service forecast for Tuesday, Aug. 28, in Howard County:

• 11 a.m.: 95 degrees
• Noon: 98 degrees
• 1 p.m.: 97 degrees
• 2 p.m.: 99 degrees
• 3 p.m.: 99 degrees
• 4 p.m.: 101 degrees
• 5 p.m.: 100 degrees
• 6 p.m.: 96 degrees
• 7 p.m.: 95 degrees
• 8 p.m.: 93 degrees
• 9 p.m.: 90 degrees
• 10 p.m.: 87 degrees

A code orange air quality alert has also been issued for the Baltimore metropolitan area on Tuesday, Aug. 28, including Howard County. Other jurisdictions where the alert applies are Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll and Harford counties as well as 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.

How To Stay Safe In The Heat

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.

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