Extreme Heat Prompts Harford County To Open Cooling Centers At Libraries

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Public library branches across Harford County will serve as cooling centers for community members needing to escape the heat Monday and Tuesday.

The heat index in Harford County is expected to surpass 110 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, possibly extending into Wednesday. An extreme heat warning has been issued for Maryland and is in effect from June 23 at 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and again on June 24 at 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The following branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 23-24:

• Aberdeen – 21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen
• Abingdon – 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon
• Bel Air – 100 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Bel Air
• Darlington – 3535 Conowingo Road, Street
• Edgewood – 629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood
• Fallston – 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston
• Havre de Grace – 120 N. Union Avenue, Havre de Grace
• Jarrettsville – 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville
• Joppa – 655 Towne Center Drive, Joppa
• Norrisville – 5310 Norrisville Road, White Hall
• Whiteford – 2407 Whiteford Road, Whiteford

Community members also can charge electronic devices at the cooling centers in case of a power outage, including oxygen concentrators used by those who are oxygen-dependent.

During periods of extreme heat, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services encourages citizens to follow these safety guidelines:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit sun exposure.

• If you do not have air conditioning, open windows and use a fan.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity.

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle

• Check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable citizens.

• Keep pets hydrated with access to shelter.

Heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion or the most serious, heat stroke, the county shared. A person with a body temperature above 104 degrees is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, a strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma. Individuals with any of these symptoms, especially older adults, should seek immediate medical attention, county officials stated.

The National Weather Service's forecast for the week:

Monday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 109. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph.

Monday night
Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Calm wind.

Tuesday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 108. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday night
Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Light northwest wind.

Wednesday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 40%.