MD Weather: Heat Wave To Be Quenched By Storms Before July 4

MARYLAND — It may feel like 103 degrees in parts of Maryland Tuesday, and temperatures may climb higher on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Chances of showers and thunderstorms increase mid-week in Maryland, forecasters said.

In Baltimore City, the health commissioner has declared a code-red extreme heat advisory effective Tuesday and Wednesday.

Temperatures will top out at 96 degrees and feel like 103 degrees on the heat index in Baltimore around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The heat index measures what it will feel like due to humidity and temperature.

Related: Code Red Heat Advisory Issued For Baltimore

Near the Chesapeake Bay, temperatures may be a little lower, the National Weather Service reported.

Forecasters expect Wednesday's high in Baltimore to reach 97 degrees, which will feel like 104 degrees on the heat index.

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On Tuesday, forecasters said they "think we remain just below heat advisory criteria today, with heat index values in the upper 90s to lower 100s" and actual temperatures in the lower to mid-90s except at higher elevations, where they will be in the 80s.

The National Weather Service issues heat advisories when the heat index value is expected to reach 105 to 109 degrees in the next 12 to 24 hours. If the heat hits early in the season or for a multi-day heat wave, authorities say they may lower the criteria.

North of the Maryland state line, parts of Pennsylvania such as York and Lancaster counties are under a heat advisory until 7 p.m. Tuesday. People in these areas are advised to drink fluids, stay out of the sun and remain in air-conditioned spaces. They should also keep pets hydrated and out of the sun as well.

"There seems to be a greater chance at reaching heat advisory criteria" on Wednesday in Maryland, officials said, noting: "Temperatures may peak Wednesday" in the upper 90s.

Parts of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are under excessive heat warnings until 8 p.m. Wednesday due to heat indices up to 105 degrees.

During this week's heat wave, the Maryland Department of Health is advising people to hydrate and protect themselves.

"Warmer temperatures are here and Marylanders can be at a greater risk for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke if they don’t take some precautions," Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr. Jinlene Chan said in a statement.

One heat-related death has been reported so far in Maryland, where there were 16 heat-related deaths in 2020.

Officials say infants, older adults, young children, people who work outdoors and those with chronic conditions (like heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure) are at higher risk of getting ill from the heat.

"Protect yourself and your family by staying indoors or visiting a cooling center, and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated," Chan said. "Check on friends and neighbors who may be susceptible to heat-related illness."

Do not leave children or pets inside vehicles, even with the windows cracked, state health officials warn.

People who need cooling centers can call 211 to get information and accommodations.

See Also: MD's First Heat Death Of Year Reported In Prince George's County

Here are tips to keep cool in the heat:

• Drink water.
• Put on sunscreen.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Do not leave animals or children alone in vehicles.

As the chance of rain increases later in the week, temperatures will drop into the 80s, according to the National Weather Service.

See the regional forecast from the National Weather Service.

Here is the latest forecast for Annapolis:

Here is the latest forecast for Baltimore.

Here is the latest forecast for Bel Air:

Here is the latest forecast for Bowie:

Remember these tips to avoid heat-related illnesses:

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and overly-sweetened beverages
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing
☀Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen; stay in the shade when possible pic.twitter.com/08cOoHqSpB
— Maryland Department of Health (@MDHealthDept) June 28, 2021