Heat Wave: Maryland Braces For Stretch Of Hot & Humid Weather
BALTIMORE (WJZ)— A stretch of hot, humid weather hits Maryland and a Code Red Heat Alert has been declared for the city of Baltimore Tuesday through Friday.
Linh Bui explains people are really feeling the heat.
Unfortunately, this hot weather is sticking around.
Whether you're working outside, out for a run or trying to stay cool at the pool, it's miserably and dangerously hot outside. For road workers, the temperatures in the 90s are cooler than the 200 degree asphalt. They've got hours of work ahead of them in scorching temps.
If you have to be outside for a long time, make sure you take plenty of breaks in the shade and drink lots of fluids.
"I'm not beating the heat. I'm in the heat," said one Maryland resident.
It's a sentiment echoed around the state.
Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center is the busiest emergency department in the state. The expect five to 10 heat-related cases each day this week.
"If you are either very young or very old or if you have other medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, stay inside. Stay somewhere cool and drink lots of fluid," said Jonathan Hansen, the chief of the ER.
There have been four heat-related deaths in Maryland so far this year, so it's important to call 911 immediately if you see any signs of heat stroke or exhaustion.
"Maybe they're so dehydrated that they're not sweating anymore. If they're not acting like themselves, fast heart rate, lightheadedness...those are some early warning signs," Hansen said.
Bricklayer Robert Horsey is lucky he's in the shade---but the sun will eventually move his way.
"I'll be dripping then. I'm not sweating now but I'll be dripping in about an hour and a half," he said.
He's got towels and plenty of water but there's one thing on his mind.
"Finish as fast as possible. Get out the heat," he said.
Baltimore City will have emergency cooling centers open this week from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. You can get free water and cool air.
Health officials also remind you to stay in touch with any neighbors or family members who live alone.
