Hot Forecast This Week Prompts Change In Curbside Collections For Howard County Residents

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — 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.

There's an extreme heat warning in effect from June 23 at 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and an extreme heat watch in effect from June 24 at 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Howard County, according to the National Weather Service.

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.

"Please be sure to have your items out the night before collections or by 5 a.m. on the day of collections," the county stated.

The National Weather Service's forecast for the week:

Sunday night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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%.

Tips for preventing heat illness from Howard County

• Stay hydrated by drinking 1 cup of cool water every 20 minutes, even if not feeling thirsty.
• Opt for drinks with electrolytes for longer durations, avoiding energy drinks and alcohol.
• Take breaks in shaded or cool areas to allow the body to recover.
• Dress appropriately for the heat with a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
• Replace a damp or soiled face covering and check on others verbally.
• Familiarize yourself with engineering controls, work practices and personal protective equipment to mitigate heat-related risks.
• Acknowledge individual differences in heat tolerance and understand personal risk factors.