What You Need to Know About the Heat

It's going to be hot today and tomorrow, with temperatures expected to hit 100 degrees and a heat index value of up to 115 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

An excessive heat warning is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. today and again from noon to 8 p.m. Friday. The warning means that there will be a prolonged period of temperatures that are dangerously hot. Heat-related illnesses are more likely during these conditions.

Here are some tips from the Baltimore County Health Department on how to handle the heat:

• Never leave a child or pet in an unattended car.
• Check on elderly or chronically ill family members, friends and neighbors.
• Stay hydrated with water or fruit juices. Also provide your pet with plenty of water and sheltering.
• Limit outdoor activity when the temperatures and humidity are extremely high.
• Use sunscreen and reapply often when spending time outdoors.

Also in Baltimore County, there are places to cool off today, which include Baltimore County library branches, senior centers and community centers. The Arbutus branch of the library is open today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday, the library is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Arbutus Senior Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Across Maryland, the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has activated its heat emergency plan to coordinate efforts to respond to heat-related illness and do outreach to vulnerable populations.

The Maryland State Police are also watching for stranded drivers who may be affected during the heat. State troopers urge drivers to take precautions for their safety and bring plenty of water when they are driving in extreme heat.