Heat alert issued as cooling centers open

The Baltimore Sun

With temperatures expected to rise into the mid-90s, the Baltimore Health Department issued a Code Red heat alert for today through Tuesday, advising city residents to take steps to avoid overheating.

City cooling centers, which offer air-conditioning and water for people seeking refuge from the heat, will open at 9 a.m. today. The health department recommends that people drink plenty of water or juice, wipe their skin with cool water, and reduce outside activities.

The National Weather Service predicts sunny weather today with a high temperature of 97 degrees. Daily highs are expected to continue reaching into the mid-90s through Wednesday.

Such conditions can overwhelm the body's cooling mechanisms, resulting in heat exhaustion, heat stroke or death. Symptoms of severe overheating include confusion and light-headedness. Another telltale sign is a high body temperature but cool and clammy skin.

Health officials advise seeking medical help by calling 911 if any of these symptoms occur. They also encourage checking in on neighbors and family members who are elderly, ill or frail.

Yesterday's high in downtown Baltimore was 93.

chris.emery@baltsun.com

Keeping cool

City cooling center locations:

Eastern Community Action Center, 1400 Orleans St.

Northern Community Action Center, 5225 York Road

Northwest District Community Action Center, 3314 Ayrdale Ave.

Southeast Community Action Center, 3411 Bank St.

Southern Community Action Center, 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center, second floor)

Western District Community Action Center, 1133 Pennsylvania Ave.

Copyright © 2021, The Baltimore Sun, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication | Place an Ad
72°