5 things to know about this weekend’s extreme heat in Baltimore
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for Saturday that includes most of the Baltimore-Washington region and Baltimore City has declared a Code Red extreme heat alert from Friday to Monday. All of that to say the next few days will be hotter than hot.
Here are five things to know about surviving the extreme heat.
Pay attention to the heat index
The heat index is a number that combines air temperature with relative humidity to reflect what a hot day actually feels like to your body. Keep in mind, your body sweats and then cools itself as the moisture evaporates from your skin. However, when the humidity is high, this process slows, meaning it takes longer to cool down. “In other words, the human body feels warmer in humid conditions,” the National Weather Service says. This weekend’s forecast calls for a heat index of up to 110 in the Baltimore region. In direct sunlight, the heat index may be even higher.
“The issue is that when you have this kind of dangerous combination of both high heat index and humidity, the humidity is actually what limits your body’s ability to self regulate its temperature,” said Dr. Omoyemi Adebayo, associate chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie.
Do not leave children or pets in the car
This seems obvious, but already at least two children have died this year from being left in a hot car, according to the National Safety Council. Last year, 29 children perished. On average, 37 children age 15 or younger die each year from heatstroke after being left in the car at temperatures less than what is forecast for this weekend. “Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” the National Weather Service warns about the coming forecast. Research shows more than half of the deaths are caused when a child is forgotten by a parent or caregiver. Experts suggest leaving your purse or wallet in the back seat as a reminder. Also, keep your vehicle locked and keep keys away from children. And this may be the weekend to leave the pets at home.
Seek out air-conditioned spaces
We know several city schools lack air conditioning, but there are also plenty of Baltimore homes that do not have central A/C or that rely only on window units. The Baltimore City Health Department will open cooling centers throughout the city. Some Pratt Library locations will also act as cool air spaces during their normal business hours. In addition, city health officials recommend residents who do not have air conditioning try covering windows or making temporary window reflectors using aluminum foil-covered cardboard. Cool baths, misting bottles and staying hydrated will also help.
Be alert to signs of heat-related illnesses
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are all potential escalating outcomes to exposure to extreme heat, with cramps being the mildest form of heat illness, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. At the other end of the spectrum of concern is heatstroke, which is life-threatening and requires emergency intervention. Symptoms of heatstroke include high fever, fast heart rate, headache, confusion, nausea and vomiting. If you can, move the victim to a cool area, use ice packs on the armpits or groin and call 911.
“There are significant risks [of heat illness] to everyone, but most notably to certain vulnerable populations, and those are really young children going to the ages of 4 or 5 years old, and our elderly,” said Adebayo.
Map: See what parts of Maryland face extreme heat risks
Pets can also be vulnerable to heat illness. To avoid overheating, walk your dog in the early morning or after sunset. Choose shady areas when possible and don’t forget to bring water.
Stay inside, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity
Skip the outdoor errands and stay inside from about noon to 3 p.m., when the sun is typically at its strongest, recommends the American Heart Association, which warns the heat can take a toll on your heart health. Wear light-colored and lightweight fabrics in cotton or materials that repel sweat. Add a hat and sunglasses — plus sunscreen. Stay hydrated, but avoid caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages.
“When it comes to hydration, in general, you want to have as much [water] as your body is telling you. But our bodies are actually very smart in terms of telling us when we’re thirsty,” Adebayo said. “So when you get that urge to drink water, it’s something that you should definitely, definitely listen to.”
Adebayo said the recommendation of 64 ounces of water a day is a starting point, especially in extreme heat. “You’re definitely going to want to keep additional water with you on hand because again, as you sweat, you are going to lose additional fluids which can easily dehydrate you.”
To cool down quickly, Adebayo advised focusing on specific areas of the body.
“So if you do have, let’s say an ice cold water bottle or even just a cold water bottle, you can take those and put those on some of your hot trigger points, right, so like on the back of your neck, behind the knees, under your armpits,” he said. “Those will be areas that will help to kind of rapidly more rapidly cool [your] temperature.
