Here's Where To Beat The Heat In Howard County During Excessive Heat Warning

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — In response to the National Weather Service's extreme heat warning in effect from June 23-24 from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., the Howard County Health Department has issued a heat alert for those two days.

The high temperatures, combined with high humidity, will make outside temperatures feel even hotter with heat index values reaching up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit during the afternoon and evening hours. High temperatures and high humidity can cause heat illness.

The warning signs of heat-related illness include the following symptoms: light-headedness, headaches, muscle cramps, mild nausea or confusion, fatigue or profuse sweating and rapid breathing.

Howard County residents in need of a cooler environment can visit one of Howard County’s Community Centers, 50+ Centers or library branches during normal hours.

Howard County Library System branches

• Central Branch: 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia
• East Columbia Branch: 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
• Miller Branch: 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City
• Savage Branch: 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel
• Elkridge Branch: 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge
• Glenwood Branch: 2350 Maryland Route 97, Cooksville

Howard County Recreation and Parks Community Centers

• Gary J. Arthur Community Center: 2400 Maryland Route 97, Cooksville (410-313-4840)
• North Laurel Community Center: 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel (410-313-0390)
• Roger Carter Community Center: 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City (410-313-2764)
• Robinson Nature Center: 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia (410-313-0400)
• Kiwanis-Wallas Hall: 3300 Norberts Way, Ellicott City (410-313-2637)

Howard County officials recommended residents take the following precautions to prevent heat related illness:

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.
• If you must be out in the heat, wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
• Stay well hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids. Avoid alcoholic beverages. (Alcoholic beverages do not keep you hydrated.)
• Stay out of the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Take frequent rest breaks in air conditioned or shaded environments.
• Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin.

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%.