HoCo Under Excessive Heat Warning: 11 Places To Cool Off

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Temperatures are expected to be dangerously hot in Howard County Saturday, potentially hitting 115 degrees on the heat index, which takes the real temperature and humidity into account. Actual temperatures will top out Saturday around 100 degrees.

Relief from the heat is available at Howard County Library branches, 50+ centers and community centers. See the full list of locations at the bottom of the article.

An excessive heat warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. When weather officials issue an excessive heat warning, a prolonged period of dangerously high temperatures and humidity could lead to heat stress or heat stroke. Most of Maryland is under the warning.

People should take precautions like wearing lightweight clothing, drinking water and staying in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible; and they should not leave children or pets alone in hot cars for any amount of time.

So far this season, four people in Maryland have died from heat, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

As temperatures soar, air quality will also be unhealthy for some. A code orange air quality alert is in effect Saturday, meaning air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for children, older adults and people with respiratory or heart ailments. They should avoid strenuous activities like outdoor exercise. The alert applies to Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties as well as Baltimore City.

Timeline To 113 Degrees On Heat Index In HoCo

It will feel like it's hotter than 100 degrees from about 10 a.m. to 8 pm. on Saturday, July 20.

Here is the forecast from the National Weather Service for Columbia on Saturday, July 20:

• 8 a.m.: Actual temp 84 degrees; heat index 92 degrees
• 9 a.m.: Actual temp 88 degrees; heat index 99 degrees
• 10 a.m.: Actual temp 91 degrees; heat index 105 degrees
• 11 a.m.: Actual temp 93 degrees; heat index 107 degrees
• 12 p.m.: Actual temp 95 degrees; heat index 110 degrees
• 1 p.m.: Actual temp 96 degrees; heat index 110 degrees
• 2 p.m.: Actual temp 98 degrees; heat index 113 degrees
• 3 p.m.: Actual temp 99 degrees; heat index 112 degrees
• 4 p.m.: Actual temp 99 degrees; heat index 112 degrees
• 5 p.m.: Actual temp 98 degrees; heat index 111 degrees
• 6 p.m.: Actual temp 96 degrees; heat index 107 degrees
• 7 p.m.: Actual temp 94 degrees; heat index 105 degrees
• 8 p.m.: Actual temp 92 degrees; heat index 102 degrees
• 9 p.m.: Actual temp 89 degrees; heat index 98 degrees
• 10 p.m.: Actual temp 87 degrees; heat index 95 degrees
• 11 p.m.: Actual temp 86 degrees; heat index 94 degrees

An excessive heat watch is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m Sunday. This means a prolonged period of dangerously high temperatures is possible, and people should prepare for extreme temperatures and high humidity.

Here are things that weather officials advise for staying safe:

• Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning if working outside.

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.

Where To Cool Off

People can cool off at Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services 50+ Centers, Howard County Recreation and Parks' community centers, or Howard County Library branches.

• The Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia
• Central Branch, 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
• East Columbia Branch and 50+ Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
• Elkridge Branch and 50+ Center, 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge
• Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City
• Gary J. Arthur Community Center and Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville
• Glenwood Branch, 2350 State Route 97, Cooksville
• Miller Branch, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City
• North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel
• Roger Carter Community Center, 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City
• Savage Branch, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel

Anyone who needs shelter or other assistance can call the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center's hotline at 410-531-6677.