Maryland Braces For Unseasonably Hot Weather, Heat Index Expected To Reach 105

BALTIMORE COUNTY - Maryland residents should prepare for some unseasonably hot weather on Thursday and through the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for central, northeast, and southern Maryland for Thursday, July 26. The heat index is predicted to reach 105, with temperatures in Baltimore City expected to peak around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

According to AccuWeather, temperatures last reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Baltimore on July 19-20, 2020.

The National Weather Service's forecast for Thursday, July 27. (Credit: National Weather Service)

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the NWS said, adding that car interiors can reach deadly temperatures in minutes during extreme heat.

Friday is forecasted to be the most uncomfortable day, with high humidity pushing the afternoon heat index into the 105 to 110 range throughout northern and central Maryland.

 As of Wednesday evening, Baltimore County is yet to make a decision regarding potential event cancellations. The County offers a variety of public spaces with air conditioning, including churches, community centers, libraries, malls, museums, restaurants, and senior centers.

Harford County's Emergency Manager Rick Ayers Ayers announced the activation of cooling centers at all county libraries from Thursday, July 27, through Saturday, July 29, to offer residents a respite from the heat.

Harford County Public Schools has also canceled summer programming, Extended School Year, and service at three summer food service program locations - Affinity Old Post Apartments, Victory Street Park, and Cunion Field for Thursday.

The Baltimore City Health Commissioner has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert from Thursday to Saturday; an interactive map of Cooling Centers in the city can be found here.

The NWS advises all Maryland residents to never leave a child or pet unattended in a car, stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, use sunscreen and reapply often, wear loose-fitting clothing, and regularly check in on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors.

Here is a look at the National Weather Service forecast through the upcoming weekend in central Maryland:

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 91.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 75.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 104.

Thursday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 75.

Friday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Saturday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Sunday: A chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

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