Cooling Centers Open To Help Prince Georgians Beat The Heat

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — 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.

A full list of cooling centers can be seen at https://bit.ly/StayCoolPGC. There's also a map below.

The Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management reminds residents to take the following precautions to avoid heat related illnesses.

• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, even if you do not feel thirsty. A recommended amount of one and a half a quart of fluid will suffice in the avoidance of fluid deficiency. Avoid drinks with alcohol, sugar and caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit outdoor activities during excessive heat. If you must be out during the hottest part of the day, be sure to wear light weight and light-colored clothing and a hat to minimize the potential for heat exhaustion.
• Never leave children, older adults or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures in parked cars can reach an estimate of 130 degrees within minutes, resulting in brain damage or death.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone. More specifically, older adults, families with young children, people with special needs or individuals living alone to ensure their safety and hydration.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
• Register for Alert Prince George’s to receive emergency information, via your mobile or landline phones, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from the Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management.
• Go to a designated cooling center if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat. Stay on the lowest floor and out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

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%.