Heat Advisory In Effect In Md.; Officials Warn Residents To Remain Cool & Conserve Energy

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Extreme heat hits Maryland. A heat advisory is in effect through Thursday and people are doing all they can to stay cool. Kai Jackson has more on the extreme heat and how people are coping with it.

This heat can be deadly. That’s why health experts and even elected leaders are urging people to take precautions.

The mid-Atlantic region bakes under a hot June sun. On the first day of summer, many Maryland counties were under a heat advisory.

“Anytime it gets this hot, you have to be concerned about possible heat-related injuries,” said Dr. Clifford Mitchell, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

And residents were dealing with dangerous conditions. The setting sun did little to make things more comfortable. Baltimore issued a Code Red Heat Alert. As a result, city cooling centers have been opened and several senior centers have longer hours.

“I know to stay hydrated and drink water,” said Joshua Griffin.

In Baltimore, workers were tested by weather that can be unforgiving. Anyone working outside was encouraged to take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water and wear loose clothing.

BGE is preparing for the likely energy demands Thursday and are asking customers to do their part to help.

“Perhaps holding off on doing the laundry or the dishwasher. Instead of doing it at 2, 3, 4 in the afternoon when demand is high for energy, maybe put it off until 9, 10 o’clock at night,” said Rob Gould, BGE.

A Naval Academy student in Annapolis summed it up this way.

“It’s better than the winter but it’s pretty hot out,” said Carly Leary.

For more tips on staying cool and for contact information to cooling centers around Maryland, call 311 or click here.

Some city pools are extending its hours.  And BGE is asking people to conserve energy (click here to read more).