Take Caution as Heat Wave Continues

Residents are urged to take extra precautions over the next several days with the heat index expected the reach 117 by the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

A heat advisory is in effect from 12 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. According to the National Weather Service, an excessive heat watch means that prolonged periods of hot temperatures are expected, and conditions could create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

Baltimore County officials are reminding residents that several public “cooling centers” are available to offer respite from the heat.

They include county senior centers, which are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, regardless of age. Libraries are also available for public use from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Others places people should consider as a way to cool off include community centers, malls, churches, movie theaters and restaurants.

Here is the upcoming forecast according to the National Weather Service:

Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index could reach 110.

Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 81. 

Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Heat index could make it feel like 117.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 83. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.