County issues Heat Emergency Alert for this weekend

Pools to stay open, outdoor recreation activities canceled

June 21, 2024 8:32 p.m.

The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) has issued a Heat Emergency Alert starting at noon Saturday and extending through 8 p.m. Sunday.

The alert was issued due to National Weather Service predictions of extreme heat, according to a Friday afternoon news release. The county issues a Heat Emergency Alert when the heat index is forecast to be 105 degrees or higher for a period of two days or more.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in the county are predicted to reach a high of 99 degrees and a low of 79 degrees on Saturday, and a high of 98 degrees and a low of 75 degrees on Sunday with thunderstorms likely. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Saturday and Sunday.

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Gov. Wes Moore (D) issued a “state of preparedness” on Thursday in response to the forecasted heat wave.

“The health and safety of Marylanders is our top priority. By declaring a State of Preparedness, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of state government ahead of potential impacts because of the extreme heat and humidity,” Moore said in a press release. “Please remain vigilant, stay hydrated, and remain in cool locations as much as possible, and please check on vulnerable family members and friends.”

County officials are urging residents to stay indoors as much as possible, drink water and be mindful of potential symptoms of heat-related illness. These symptoms may include painful muscle spasms or cramps, pale or flushed skin that may be damp or cool, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness.

If someone is experiencing red, hot, dry skin; weak pulse; rapid breathing and changes in consciousness, residents are urged to seek medical attention immediately by calling 911, officials said.

Due to the alert, all Montgomery County Recreation outdoor programs and activities are canceled this weekend, as well as Montgomery County Recreation indoor activities located in Montgomery County Public Schools facilities.

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While county pools and aquatic centers will remain open, the recreation department encourages guests to check mocorec.com for capacity updates before heading to the pool. The department said it is anticipating a high volume of pool visitors and may have to halt admissions if pools reach capacity.

The county encourages residents to utilize county facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, recreation centers and senior centers as places to cool off during normal operating hours.  Information about cooling centers across the state is available from the Maryland Department of Health.

Progress Place, located at 8106 Georgia Ave downtown Silver Spring, will also be open during the day as a refuge from the heat, and homeless shelters will be open 24/7 throughout the heat emergency.


Any resident who has concerns about the wellbeing of a homeless person during the emergency is encouraged to call the 24-hour Homeless Information Line at 240-907-2688 so the individual can be connected with resources, according to county officials.

Free bottled water will be available for passengers on Montgomery County Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash buses. The county is also providing free fans to residents during the heat wave, Montgomery Community Media first reported. To receive a fan, residents can call the Department of Health and Human Services at 240-777-3000.

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The county will be enforcing local animal cruelty laws during the heat emergency. Pet owners must not leave pets unattended in vehicles or outdoors or they will be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 90 days imprisonment.

More information on the heat emergency is available on the county government website.

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