Jun. 24 — The National Weather Service continues to issue an extreme heat warning for the Baltimore area from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday
The warning includes central, northern, and southern Maryland, as well as portions of Washington, D.C., and Virginia.
The NWS advises residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, and avoid direct sunlight.
The NWS also issued an extreme heat watch for Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
According to Andrew Snyder, a NWS meteorologist, the heat is caused by a swath of high pressure over the eastern United States, which is bringing hot air up from the south.
According to Snyder, the area may experience additional “spells of heat” later in the summer, as some forecasts predict above-average temperatures.
Governor Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness on Monday to “ensure that Maryland is coordinated and poised to protect our people in anticipation of extreme heat and humidity,” according to a news release.
Dr. Meena Seshamani, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health, advised in the release to keep an eye on those who are especially vulnerable to heat, such as young children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.
The governor’s announcement included a list of additional precautions, such as limiting exercise or outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., wearing sun protection such as sunscreen and lightweight clothing, and drinking more liquids regardless of activity level.
The Baltimore City Health Department has also issued a “Code Red” heat alert through Thursday. Maryland residents can also beat the heat at cooling centers across the state, which are equipped with water and air conditioning.
Local transportation will also be impacted by the heat, with Baltimore’s Harbor Connector service operating on a modified schedule Tuesday, according to the Baltimore Department of Transportation on social media. There will be no service between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., it stated. There were also service reductions on Monday due to the extreme heat.
Tuesday’s weather is expected to be similar to Monday, with a high of 104 and a heat index of 110. Tuesday evening is expected to be mostly clear, with a low temperature of 84 and calm winds.
Wednesday is expected to be sunny with a high of 100 degrees and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. The heat index could hit 108. Conditions should become partly cloudy by Wednesday evening. The low is expected to be around 81.
Rain is expected to continue into Thursday, with showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m. and after 5 p.m. The day is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high of around 96. Showers and thunderstorms are expected before 8 p.m., with additional rain after 2 a.m. The weather will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Friday’s high is expected to be around 84 degrees. Conditions are expected to be mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. The mostly cloudy weather is expected to continue into Friday evening, with a low of 73.
The weekend may bring showers and thunderstorms, with highs in the low 90s on Saturday and Sunday.
