Community Corner

Sweltering Heat Watch: Thursday’s 99-Degree Scorcher

Be prepared for excessive heat.

Newsflash! Today will be a very, very hot day.

National Weather Service (NWS) predicts the temps will reach a sweltering 99 degrees with a heat index of over 110 degrees.

An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for much of the Baltimore/Washington region, including Prince George's and Montgomery counties, from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

Find out what's happening in Upper Marlborowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation,” says NWS’ forecast. Heat illnesses, like heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are likely with this type of weather.

Prince George's County its public facilities as cooling centers during high-heat days.

Find out what's happening in Upper Marlborowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

NWS has a few tips to beat the heat and avoid a heat-related illness:

Stay indoors: Kind of a no-brainer, but it bears iteration. NWS recommends avoiding the outdoors and staying in air-conditioned rooms.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids if you do plan on being outdoors. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. 

Stay connected: Check on neighbors, especially people who may be particularly sensitive to extreme heat, like elderly people, children, overweight people and people on medications that may make them more sensitive to heat.

Stay with babies and pets: Never leave babies, kids, pets or any other living being in the car in this kind of heat, the county recommends. Cracked windows are still not enough protection from the heat in the car.

Stay covered and lathered: If you are outdoors, wear light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from a heat illness, particularly a heat stroke, call 9-1-1.

The signs of various heat illnesses are: 

Heat cramps: painful muscle spasms, usually in the stomach or legs.

Heat exhaustion: cool, moist pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness.

Heat stroke: red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness. 

Related Topics:  and How will you beat the heat? 


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