Much of Maryland is under an extreme heat warning through Friday evening as temperatures are expected to surge into the triple digits.
A strong ridge of high pressure is trapping very warm air across the Central and Eastern U.S., a phenomenon known as heat dome. The warning goes in effect from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, when heat index values could reach 112, according to the National Weather Service.
Heat waves are the deadliest form of extreme weather. Gov. Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, activating the Maryland Department of Emergency Management to prepare for the extreme heat. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Saturday.
The Baltimore area could see record-breaking temperatures on Thursday and Friday, said Jeremy Geiger, a meteorologist for the weather service’s Baltimore/Washington office. Forecasters are expecting a high of 104 on Thursday and 103 on Friday.
“There is a possibility that we break the records both today and tomorrow and get close to it, if not break it, on July 4,” Geiger said. The record for July 2 was 103 in 1901 and for July 3 was 100 in 1898.
Changes and cancellations
Some institutions, like Bowie State University, are taking precautions with the extreme heat. The higher education institution is transitioning all classes to online on Thursday. Most campus activities are also canceled and most campus buildings will be closed.
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The Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival, which was set to start at 1 p.m. Saturday, was delayed to begin at 5 p.m. to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Stay safe
Marylanders should limit their time outdoors as much as possible and drink plenty of water, well before feeling thirsty. People should wear loose, lightweight clothing to help stay cool.
In Baltimore, cooling centers will be open through Saturday. All 22 city pools will remain open through the holiday weekend and will extend their hours.
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