Code Red Heat Advisory Issued For Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD — Temperatures are expected to top 100 degrees on the heat index in the next few days, prompting Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa to issue a code red extreme heat advisory.

The city's heat advisory is in effect from Tuesday, June 29, to Wednesday, June 30. It marks the first code red heat advisory of the season in Baltimore.

Temperatures will be 96 degrees and feel like 101 degrees on the heat index, according to the National Weather Service forecast. The hottest point of the day will hit around 2 p.m. Tuesday.

“Extreme heat is particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions," Dzirasa said. "I encourage all residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves as well as their families, neighbors and pets."

During periods of extreme heat, officials advise the following:

• Drink water.
• Reduce outdoor activities, and get relief in air-conditioned spaces.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Stay inside during the hottest time of day, which is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Check on older or vulnerable people in your community who may need help in the heat.
• Do not ever leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be dangerous, and people should get medical attention if these things happen: confusion, nausea, lightheadedness, high body temperature with cool and clammy skin; hot, dry or flushed skin; or rapid or slowed heartbeat.

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

Pools run by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will be open during the code red heat advisory. Pool-goers must register in advance online or by phone and arrive to check in 15 minutes before their reservations; after a 15-minute grace period, walk-up swimmers will be accepted.

From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, the Baltimore City Health Department's Division of Aging will open cooling centers at these locations (call first to ensure there is room, and wear a mask if visiting and stay 6 feet apart, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus):

• Oliver Center Senior Center, 1700 Gay Street: 410 396-3861
• Hatton Senior Center, 2825 Fait Ave.: 410-396-9025
• Harford Senior Center, 4920 Harford Rd.: 410-426-4009
• Sandtown Winchester Senior Center, 1601 Baker St.; 410-396-7725
• Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging, 4501 Reisterstown Rd.; 410-396-3535

Those who have these symptoms should not visit a cooling center and should instead call ahead to a health care professional: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body ache, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

City residents who want cooling center information can call 311. Those with signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.