The National Weather Service was calling for Friday to be sunny and hot in the Baltimore area, with a high near 105 degrees and northwest winds at 6 miles per hour becoming southwest. Widespread haze was expected before noon. Heat index values will be as high as 119.
Friday night was expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 86 and light and variable winds. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight.
An excessive heat warning was in effect for Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The combination of high temperatures and humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Baltimore City has opened its cooling centers Friday to provide free air conditioning and water for residents. In addition, residents can seek relief from the heat at any branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library during normal business hours. Surrounding counties are directing residents to library branches and senior centers to get out of the heat.
In Baltimore City, five cooling centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p. m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. They are located: