All of Maryland was under an extreme heat warning on Friday morning until 9 p.m. as the heat wave engulfed most of the Mid-Atlantic region to kick off the holiday weekend.
Temperatures in the Baltimore area could hit 102 degrees on Friday, but the heat index, or how it feels outside, is likely to be around 113 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Much of the state is expected to have three figure heat indices throughout the day. Similar heat is expected on Independence Day as well, with a heat index of 110 degrees.
It will feel a bit cooler for those celebrating at the beach this weekend. Ocean City will feel more like 103 degrees on both Friday and Saturday, according to the weather service.
The intense heat has also impacted the air quality for much of Maryland, including the Eastern Shore, southern counties and Baltimore area.
The Maryland Department of Environment issued a code orange air quality for Friday, warning people who are sensitive to air pollutants to monitor symptoms and stay inside. The department said in its warning that it expects the air quality to stay the same or worsen on Saturday, especially around the Washington D.C. area, due to the firework shows on the Fourth of July.
Justin McLeod, a spokesperson for the Luminis Health Medical Centers in Lanham and Annapolis, said there was a “noticeable increase in heat related illnesses today, particularly heat exhaustion” in the emergency department on Thursday when temperatures hit 101 degrees.
Besides the heat, there’s a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms in Baltimore on Friday evening and Saturday after 3 p.m.
Change of plans
Annapolis’ Fourth of July parade route was shortened to protect participants and viewers from the heat, the city said in a post. Takoma Park and Laurel both canceled their parades and outdoor celebrations because of the high temperatures.
Montgomery County Department of Transportation said it would provide buses to act as cooling stations for two of the area’s Fourth of July celebrations in Germantown and Kensington.
If you’re driving to Washington D.C. for the festivities this weekend, the U.S. Capitol Police said it delayed opening up the U.S. Capitol grounds for the Friday concert until 7 p.m. Officials asked that guests bring “an ample supply of water” to stay hydrated. Security will permit coolers and non-glass water bottles for the event, police said.
The Harbor Connector water taxi limited its service on Friday to protect its crews, canceling all service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There may be further suspensions and cancelations, according to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation.
Amtrak announced earlier this week that its trains could experience delays through Saturday because of the “extreme temperatures in the Northeast.”
Protect yourself
Medical experts say to limit your time in the sun and heat as much as possible this weekend. If you are outside, make sure you drink fluids and keep in mind the symptoms of heat-related illness. Get inside or in a cool place if you start to feel dizzy or light-headed. Seek medical attention or call 911 if you have any of these symptoms:
- Muscle pain or spasms
- Feeling hot but not sweating
- Heart racing
- Vomiting
- Extreme weakness
- Nausea
- Disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Rapid, shallow breathing
Baltimore is under a Code Red Alert, which means it has activated cooling centers and extended hours at city pools. Anne Arundel County extended hours and days for its cooling centers as well.
A list of cooling centers in every Maryland county is available on the Maryland Department of Health’s website.
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