With temperatures possibly rising to the lower 100s Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) has declared an excessive heat warning.
In Montgomery County, officials declared a hyperthermia alert for Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., as the heat index is expected to reach 95 degrees or higher.
The NWS’s Baltimore-Washington office has predicted scorching temperatures and sweltering humidity over the next two days. Excessive heat warnings, watches and advisories have been issued from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
According to NWS Baltimore-Washington, the heat index can reach 110 degrees on Monday and Tuesday. The heat index is defined as what the temperature feels like due to the combination of relative humidity and air temperature.
The county and surrounding areas also have issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert. According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, sensitive groups such as people with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense.
NWS Baltimore-Washington and county officials are urging residents to create plans to stay cool and hydrated.
“It’s gonna get hotter,” Pete Piringer, chief spokesperson of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), said in a video posted to social media. “Think about prevention. Be sensible about how much you exert yourself in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids—don’t wait until you’re thirsty; it’s probably too late.”
Excessive heat and humidity increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, especially for those working outdoors or sensitive to heat, like children and older people, according to authorities.
Piringer said excessive heat can lead to heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which are medical emergencies.
According to WebMD, symptoms of heat exhaustion include a body temperature of over 100 degrees, dizziness or faintness, cool, moist skin, blurred vision and fatigue. Heat stroke symptoms include a body temperature at or above 104 degrees, confusion, slurred speech, fainting, not being able to sweat. Heat stroke is potentially deadly. If someone has symptoms of heat stroke, call 911.
According to NWS Baltimore-Washington, heavy activity and direct sunlight should be avoided and staying hydrated with a cool indoor place readily accessible is important during heat warnings. The elderly and children should be checked on. During heat watches, outdoor activities should be rescheduled and children, the elderly, and pets should have a place to cool off during the heat.
This is the area’s second week of intense heat and heat warnings. According to The Washington Post, Washington, D.C., hit a record high on Sunday, beating the 100-degree record from 1954 with a temperature of 101.
For more information on heat warnings and safety tips, go to the Montgomery County website.
