Maryland Heat Advisory All Day

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory and an air quality alert for Central Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Calvert and Prince George's counties.

Highs in the mid to upper 90s are expected throughout the day on Wednesday, with a heat index value of 100 degrees to 105 degrees.

A heat advisory means conditions exist for heat-related injuries and illnesses.

Drink plenty of (non-alcoholic) fluids, and stay in air-conditioned rooms. Stay out of the sun. Check in on elderly relatives and neighbors.

If you work or spend time outside, schedule strenuous activities for morning or evening. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Wear light-fitting/loose clothing when possible.

It is also important to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone overcome by heat should move to a cool location. Heat stroke is an emergency—call 911. 

Recognizing Heat Stroke

(The following tips are from the Centers for Disease Control website)

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees, taken orally)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headach
• Dizziness
• Nause
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

What to Do

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

• Call 911
• Get the victim to a shady area.
• Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101 to 102 degrees.
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
• Do not give the victim fluids to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.