Howard County Weather: Heat Safety Advisory Issued

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County Health Department officials are encouraging residents to be safe today as temperatures climb throughout the county. Heat indexes Tuesday are expected to reach near 100 degrees, with afternoon temps peaking at 93 degrees.

Additionally, the National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook is for three states, including central and western Maryland. A chance of thunderstorms exists through tonight, which could cause isolated damaging wind gusts.

Heat Safety

Here are things Howard County health officials advise for staying safe during extreme heat:

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment. A child’s body heats up 3-5 times faster than an adult’s.
• If you must be out in the heat, wear a hat and sunscreen.Stay hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids.
• Stay out of the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Take frequent rest breaks in air conditioned or shaded environments.
• Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors.
• Citizens should call 911 if they encounter a heat related emergency.

9 Places To Cool Off In Howard County

People can cool off at Howard County Recreation and Parks community centers or Howard County Library branches. Locations include:

• 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
• Gary J. Arthur Community 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.

7-Day Forecast For Howard County

Tuesday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Isolated showers before noon, then scattered showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 9 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.