Code Red Extreme Heat Alert issued for Baltimore

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for parts of the Baltimore metro Monday afternoon as the heat index value may reach around 110.

The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body. Temperatures could reach up to 100 degrees through Tuesday.

"Hundreds of people die every year from heat-related illness," Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said. "Heat is a silent killer and a threat to the health of everyone in our city, particularly the young, the elderly and those with chronic diseases. In weather like this, it's important for everyone to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration."

The Mayor's Office of Human Services' Community Action Partnership opened the following cooling centers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Northern Community Action Partnership Center 5225 York Road, 410-396-6084

Northwest Community Action Partnership Center 3939 Reisterstown Road, 443-984-1384

Southeast Community Action Partnership Center 3411 Bank Street, 410-545-6518

Also, ShopRite Howard Park at 4601 Liberty Heights Ave. is open as a community cooling center during their regular hours. The Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.

During periods of extreme heat, the health department recommends that city residents:

Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine

Reduce outside activities and stay inside in air-conditioned locations

Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time

Check on older, sick, or frail neighbors who may need help in the heat

Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include:

Confusion

Hot, dry, flushed skin or cool and clammy skin

Lightheadedness

Nausea

Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur

City residents who want information on the closest cooling center or who are concerned about a neighbor can call 311. Any city resident experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.

Howard County

Howard County has also issued a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Tap here for more information.

Harford County

Cooling centers are also open Monday and Tuesday in Harford County.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, Harford libraries are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at all branches except for Darlington, which is open between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The branch locations of Harford County Public Library are as follows:

21 Franklin Street in Aberdeen

2510 Tollgate Road in Abingdon

100 E. Pennsylvania Avenue in Bel Air

1134 Main Street in Darlington

629 Edgewood Road in Edgewood

1461 Fallston Road in Fallston

120 N. Union Avenue in Havre de Grace

3722 Norrisville Road in Jarrettsville

655 Towne Center Drive in Joppa

5310 Norrisville Road in White Hall

2407 Whiteford Road in Whiteford

Visit www.hcplonline.org or the Harford County Public Library Facebook page for more information.