Howard County Issues Heat Advisory Through Monday Evening

Howard County issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Monday, and temperatures are expected to rise on Tuesday.

Dr. Peter Beilenson, health officer for the county, issued the advisory early Thursday, as temperatures are expected to feel hotter than 100 degrees.

According to Weather.com, high temperatures around Howard County are expected to be in the lower 90s on Monday, peaking on Tuesday at 98 degrees and then back to the mid-nineties on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are expected to peak in the upper 80s with thunderstorms

The heat index will feel above 100 degrees during the hottest hours, according to a statement from the county.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has announced 18 heat-related deaths have occurred in the state this year. Thirty four heat-related deaths occurred in the state in 2011.

Howard County is offering these recommendations for staying safe in the heat wave:

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.
• If you must be out in the heat wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
• Increase your fluid intake; drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids.
• Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors who live alone.
• If possible, stay out of the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma.
• As with any other emergency, citizens should call 911 if they encounter a heat related emergency.

The following Howard County Library branches and senior centers are open:

• Central Branch Library, 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia 

10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• East Columbia Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia

 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 
• Elkridge Branch Library, 6540 Washington Boulevard  

10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 
• Glenwood Branch, 2350 State Route 97, Cooksville  

10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 
• Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel  

10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 
• Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• East Columbia Senior Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 

9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 
• Elkridge Senior Center, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge  

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 
• Longwood Senior Center, 6150 Foreland Garth, Columbia  

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.