State Activates Extreme Heat Plan

With temperatures soaring past 100 degrees Friday, Howard County health officials issued a heat advisory and the state activated the Maryland Heat Emergency Plan.

The heat advisory and heat plan will be in effect on Saturday, June 30, and Sunday, July 1, for the entire state, except western Maryland, according to officials.

Saturday Elkridge Forecast: 99 degrees, feels like 105–110
Sunday Elkridge Forecast: 97 degrees 

During the week of June 19–25, there were 325 people in Maryland stricken with heat-related illness, according to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke—a serious condition marked by a body temperature more than 105 degrees—and a milder form known as heat exhaustion.

Heat stroke can develop rapidly, and include symptoms such as dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Treatment of heat stroke involves rapidly lowering the victim's body temperature with a cool bath or wet towels and dialing 911.

Heat exhaustion can develop more slowly, and include signs such as weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, and headache. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area.

Cool Off in Elkridge

Peter Beilenson, health officer for Howard County, issued a heat advisory Friday for the weekend advising people to stay indoors and to avoid strenuous activities.

Howard County residents seeking cool shelter should visit the nearest library or senior center. The is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday.