Editor’s Note: This article, originally published at 6:14 p.m. July 9, 2024, was updated at 10:20 a.m. July 10, 2024, to add that an excessive heat warning was issued for Wednesday afternoon to evening.
As some areas of Montgomery County reached temperatures of 97 degrees Tuesday, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security issued a heat emergency alert to run through 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The alert was issued due to National Weather Service forecasts of “extremely dangerous temperatures and heat index values,” according to a county news release. A heat emergency alert is issued when the temperature or heat index reaches 105 degrees for at least two days or more.
The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Heat indexes from 103 degrees to 124 degrees are placed under the “danger” classification due to the effects that high temperatures have on the body, resulting in heat cramps and heat exhaustion as well as the possibility of heat stroke with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity, according to NWS.
Early Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service also issued an excessive heat warning for central and southeast Montgomery County from noon to 8 p.m.
Excessive heat warnings are issued for “dangerously hot conditions” with heat index values expected to reach 110 degrees, according to NWS.
Officers of the Office of Animal Services will enforce an anti-animal cruelty law for dogs and other pets, which prohibits pet owners from leaving pets unattended in vehicles or outdoors during a heat emergency.
To inform an Animal Services Officer of a non-emergency situation, call 301-279-8000.
At about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, the NWS issued an excessive heat warning for the southeast portion of the county to be in effect until 8 p.m. The warning included Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg and Silver Spring. A heat advisory remained in effect for the rest of the county.
In a post on social media, NWS Baltimore-Washington shared a graphic that showed temperatures in the county ranged from 93 degrees to 97 degrees as of 1:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Tuesday evening’s temperatures were expected to cool, with a low of around 79 degrees in the region, according to NWS forecasts. However, the county warned that the heat can “still pose a health threat with extended exposure.”
The county’s release also urges residents to follow precautions to stay safe and comfortable, including:
- Drinking plenty of water;
- Staying indoors whenever possible;
- Keeping blinds and curtains closed to keep inside cool;
- Using the stove less to maintain cooler temperatures;
- Avoiding strenuous activities that can lead to sun overexposure or do strenuous activities during the coolest part of the day, which is typically before 9 a.m.;
- If spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks in cool, shaded locations; and
- Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place can help prevent heat-related illness.
According to the county release, the Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Disability Resources has a limited number of free tabletop fans designated for older adults and people with disabilities.
Residents or caregivers can call 240-777-3000 to check the availability of fans before picking one up at the department’s office at 401 Hungerford Drive. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Where to cool down
Need a break from the heat? County facilities such as swimming pools, libraries, recreation centers and senior centers can be accessed during normal operating hours, according to the release. In addition, public locations such as indoor malls and movie theaters are good places to cool down.
Progress Place, at 8106 Georgia Ave., a homeless services center in downtown Silver Spring, will be open during the day as well. Homeless shelters will be open 24/7 during the heat emergency. According to the release, outreach workers and county police will be encouraging those who are unsheltered to go inside to escape the heat.
Residents who are concerned about an unsheltered individual can call the county’s 24-hour homeless information line at 240-907-2688.
Free bottled water will also be available on some county buses including Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash, according to the release.
