Heat Alert Extended For Howard County Residents, 'Ring Of Fire' Storms Approach Maryland

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — County health officials have extended the heat alert for Howard County until Wednesday 9 p.m.

"High temperatures expected to be in the mid- to high 90s combined with high humidity will make outside temperatures feel even hotter with heat index values reaching up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illness," the Howard County Health Department stated.

Severe weather could move in as early as Wednesday evening, causing temperatures to tick down before a noticeable change Friday, when the high temperature will linger around 80 degrees.

"A few severe thunderstorms are also possible today, with a better chance of more widespread thunderstorm activity on Thursday into Friday," the National Weather Service said Wednesday. "This is in response to a slow moving front that drops down from the southern Great Lakes."

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.

Due to extreme temperatures forecast for this week, curbside collections of trash, recycling, food scraps and yard trim will start at 5 a.m. Monday and last through Saturday. The change in curbside collection is in compliance with Maryland’s new heat stress standard, COMAR 09.12.32, went into effect Sept.30, 2024. The standard applies to both indoor and outdoor workplaces where the heat index is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Related:

Latest Timing For 'Ring Of Fire' Storms As Extreme Heat Lingers In MD

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