Weather

MD Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, Heat Advisory Posted

See the hour-by-hour forecast plus storm and air quality information.

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Heavy rain and lightning are accompanying the storms that arrived along the Interstate 95 corridor in the Baltimore-Washington area Friday, Aug. 13. (Elizabeth Janney/Patch)
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In parts of Maryland, the heat index will reach 107 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The heat index is what it feels like based on the actual temperature and humidity. (Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service)

MARYLAND — The National Weather Service has posted multiple weather alerts for much of Maryland due to potentially hazardous conditions Friday.

Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties are under a severe thunderstorm warning until 7 p.m.

During a severe thunderstorm warning period, winds may cause trees and large branches to fall, injuring people outside as well as damaging homes and vehicles.

Find out what's happening in Owings Mills-Reisterstownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Roads could become blocked by fallen trees, and power outages are possible. People should go inside to the lowest floor and an interior room to stay safe.

See the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Find out what's happening in Owings Mills-Reisterstownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Earlier, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties and Baltimore City. The severe storms had winds up to 60 mph and hail.

A special marine warning is in effect on the Chesapeake Bay until 7 p.m.

Earlier severe thunderstorm warnings were posted in Anne Arundel, Harford and Howard counties through 5:30 p.m.; the warning for Baltimore County and parts of Harford County was issued through 5:45 p.m.; and the warning for Montgomery and Prince George's counties is in effect until 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Queen Anne's, St. Marys, Talbot and Washington counties as well as Baltimore City.

Damaging storms may hit in waves midday through the evening, but they are not expected to break the heat, according to forecasters.

A heat advisory is also in effect until 8 p.m. Friday across the state, where authorities say high temperatures and humidity may cause heat-related illnesses to occur. In the Baltimore metropolitan area, an air quality alert is in effect as well.

Heat indices of 105 to 109 are expected for most of Maryland as well as parts of D.C. and Virginia, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory. The hottest point in the day in the Baltimore-Washington metro area is likely to be 2 to 3 p.m.

The heat advisory takes effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for these jurisdictions on Friday, Aug. 13:

  • Anne Arundel County
  • Baltimore City
  • Baltimore County
  • Calvert County
  • Carroll County
  • Cecil County
  • Charles County
  • Frederick County
  • Harford County
  • Howard County
  • Montgomery County
  • Prince George's County
  • St. Mary's County

Temperatures are likely to hit 107 on the heat index in Baltimore at 2 p.m. and reach 107 in Bel Air and Elkton around 3 p.m. See the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

A separate heat advisory is in effect on the Eastern Shore until 8 p.m. calling for heat indices up to 110 degrees in Caroline, Kent and Talbot counties.

Meanwhile, Dorchester, Somerset and Wicomico counties are under a heat advisory until 7 p.m., with heat indices up to 109 degrees possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Here is the hour-by-hour forecast for the Baltimore-Washington area:

12 p.m. — 94 degrees; feels like 103

1 p.m. — 96 degrees; feels like 106

2 p.m. — 97 degrees; feels like 107

3 p.m. — 97 degrees; feels like 107

4 p.m. — 96 degrees; feels like 106

5 p.m. — 95 degrees; feels like 105

6 p.m. — 94 degrees; feels like 105

7 p.m. — 89 degrees; feels like 97

8 p.m. — 87 degrees; feels like 94

9 p.m. — 86 degrees; feels like 93

10 p.m. — 84 degrees; feels like 90

11 p.m. — 82 degrees; feels like 87

12 a.m. — 82 degrees; feels like 87

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Courtesy of National Weather Service.

'Code Orange' Air Quality Alert In Effect

A "code orange" air quality alert is in effect Friday for parts of the Baltimore metropolitan area, including Baltimore City plus Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Cecil, Harford and Howard counties.

The Maryland Department of the Environment issues a "code orange" alert when pollution concentrations may be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, heart/lung disease sufferers and asthmatics are considered sensitive.

To minimize the effects from the air quality, officials advise people in sensitive groups to avoid outdoor and strenuous activities.

Storms Possible Friday Afternoon

Due to the possibility of storms, the National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Friday afternoon and evening.

Severe storms and flash flooding are possible in isolated cases during the afternoon and evening on Friday, according to the outlook.

How To Stay Safe In The Heat

If someone has signs of heat-related illness, move the person to a cool, shaded area and call 911. Put cold, wet compresses on the person if possible.

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, can be fatal if not treated immediately.
It occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly and the sweating mechanism fails, leading to overheating without a way to cool down.

Symptoms include confusion; slurred speech; seizures; hot, dry skin or extreme sweating; altered mental status; very high body temperature; and loss of consciousness/coma.

Here are several ways to stay safe during the heat advisory period:

Lighten up. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid salt tablets unless directed by a physician.

Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.

Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.

Stay inside. If air-conditioning is not available, go to the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool; they simply circulate the air.

Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

Find a cooling center in Maryland.

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