Forecast: Mostly cloudy, high of 93

The National Weather Service is calling for Thursday to be mostly cloudy in the Baltimore area, with a high near 93 degrees and calm winds becoming south of 4 to 7 miles per hour. There is a 30 percent chance of showers after 2 p.m.

Thursday night was expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 80 and south winds between 3 and 7 miles per hour.

The state Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange air quality alert for Thursday in the Baltimore area. A Code Orange alert means that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for certain groups, including children, people suffering from lung diseases and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity outdoors.

Friday was expected to be partly sunny and hot, with a high near 100 degrees and west winds of 5 to 8 miles per hour. There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon.

Friday night was expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 83 degrees and west winds between 3 and 5 miles per hour. There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service is warning that the heat index may reach 105 on Friday and Saturday afternoons and that a heat advisory may be issued.