Timeline To 110-Degree Heat Index In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — For the third day in a row, temperatures may feel like they are in the triple digits. The hottest time of day in Howard County will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, when it will feel like 110 degrees.

Due to the sweltering conditions, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning. Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could lead to heat stress or heat stroke, according to the warning, effective from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 21.

The excessive heat warning calls for 110 degrees on the heat index, which measures what it will feel like outside when taking humidity into account as well as the actual temperature.

Actual temps will hit the high 90s in Howard County, according to the forecast from the National Weather Service.

To protect themselves, people should wear lightweight clothing, drink water, reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening and take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioning if working outside; and do should not leave children or pets alone in hot cars for any amount of time.

There's a chance of showers and thunderstorms Sunday night, and then heavy rain Monday will finally break the heat.

Here is a look at the Howard County forecast from the National Weather Service for Sunday, July 21:

• 11 a.m. — 90 degrees, feels like 98
• 12 p.m. — 92 degrees, feels like 102
• 1 p.m. — 95 degrees, feels like 106
• 2 p.m. — 97 degrees, feels like 110
• 3 p.m. — 97 degrees, feels like 107
• 4 p.m. — 96 degrees, feels like 106
• 5 p.m. — 96 degrees, feels like 106
• 6 p.m. — 95 degrees, feels like 105
• 7 p.m. — 93 degrees, feels like 102
• 8 p.m. — 90 degrees, feels like 99
• 9 p.m. — 88 degrees, feels like 97
• 10 p.m. — 86 degrees, feels like 94
• 11 p.m. — 84 degrees, feels like 91

A hazardous weather outlook has been issued as storms are forecast Sunday night and Monday that could bring damaging wind gusts and heavy rain that may lead to flooding. See the extended forecast at the bottom of the article.

9 Places To Cool Off In Howard County Sunday

People can cool off at Howard County Recreation and Parks community centers or Howard County Library branches on Sunday, July 21.

• 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.

Heat Safety

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

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

People who experience symptoms of heat stroke — throbbing headache, lack of sweating and strong rapid pulse — should get immediate medical attention.

7-Day Forecast For Howard County

Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 110. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: High near 88, and low around 67. Showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Tuesday: Cloudy, with a high near 79 and low around 63. A chance of showers, mainly before noon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82 and a low around 63.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 84 and a low around 65.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87 and a low around 67.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88.