Air Quality, Heat Put Maryland On Alert Monday

An air quality alert has been issued for the Baltimore metro area Monday. For those in certain groups, officials say it may be unhealthy to do strenuous activities outside.

The air quality alert will take effect Monday for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties and Baltimore City, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

During the air quality alert period, older adults, children and people with asthma or heart or lung conditions should limit outdoor exercise and strenuous activity.

Two jurisdictions have issued alerts Monday due to the heat.

• Montgomery County activated its extreme heat plan from noon until 7 p.m. People should take precautions to protect themselves and their pets, officials say, as temperatures will be above 95 degrees on the heat index.
• Baltimore City's health commissioner issued a code red extreme health alert effective Monday and Tuesday, since heat indices are expected to reach over 100 degrees.

“Excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States," Baltimore Health Commissioner Letititia Dzirasa said. "The effects of extreme heat are exacerbated in urban areas, especially when combined with high humidity and poor air quality."

Here is the forecast from the National Weather Service for Baltimore Monday and Tuesday:

Timeline To 104 Degrees

It will feel like it's above 100 degrees in much of Maryland Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, which provided this hour-by-hour temperature forecast:

Monday, July 27

• 6 a.m.: Actual temp 75 degrees; heat index 75 degrees
• 7 a.m.: Actual temp 76 degrees; heat index 76 degrees
• 8 a.m.: Actual temp 79 degrees; heat index 83 degrees
• 9 a.m.: Actual temp 83 degrees, heat index 89 degrees
• 10 a.m.: Actual temp 86 degrees; heat index 92 degrees
• 11 a.m.: Actual temp 89 degrees; heat index 95 degrees
• 12 p.m.: Actual temp 91 degrees; heat index 97 degrees
• 1 p.m.: Actual temp 93 degrees; heat index 100 degrees
• 2 p.m.: Actual temp 94 degrees; heat index 102 degrees
• 3 p.m.: Actual temp 95 degrees; heat index 103 degrees
• 4 p.m.: Actual temp 96 degrees; heat index 103 degrees
• 5 p.m.: Actual temp 96 degrees; heat index 103 degrees
• 6 p.m.: Actual temp 94 degrees; heat index 101 degrees
• 7 p.m.: Actual temp 92 degrees; heat index 96 degrees
• 8 p.m.: Actual temp 90 degrees; heat index 94 degrees
• 9 p.m.: Actual temp 84 degrees; heat index 87 degrees
• 10 p.m.: Actual temp 82 degrees; heat index 85 degrees
• 11 p.m.: Actual temp 81 degrees; heat index 84 degrees

Tuesday, July 28

• 6 a.m.: Actual temp 77 degrees; heat index 79 degrees
• 7 a.m.: Actual temp 78 degrees; heat index 80 degrees
• 8 a.m.: Actual temp 82 degrees; heat index 85 degrees
• 9 a.m.: Actual temp 84 degrees, heat index 92 degrees
• 10 a.m.: Actual temp 87 degrees; heat index 94 degrees
• 11 a.m.: Actual temp 89 degrees; heat index 100 degrees
• 12 p.m.: Actual temp 91 degrees; heat index 103 degrees
• 1 p.m.: Actual temp 92 degrees; heat index 104 degrees
• 2 p.m.: Actual temp 93 degrees; heat index 104 degrees
• 3 p.m.: Actual temp 93 degrees; heat index 104 degrees
• 4 p.m.: Actual temp 92 degrees; heat index 102 degrees
• 5 p.m.: Actual temp 91 degrees; heat index 101 degrees
• 6 p.m.: Actual temp 89 degrees; heat index 98 degrees
• 7 p.m.: Actual temp 92 degrees; heat index 96 degrees

Here are tips for staying cool from Baltimore health officials:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Reduce outside activities.
• Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Find relief in air-conditioned locations.
• Check on older, sick or frail people in your community who may need help in the heat.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time.

How To Identify Heat Illness

Heat illnesses can take several forms, from a heat rash to heat stroke.

When a person experiences heat stroke, the body is unable to control its temperature and the result can be fatal.

These are symptoms of heat stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): hot, red, dry or damp skin; quick pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; temperature of 103 degrees or hotter; and fainting.

If people exhibit symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move them to a cooler area.