Essex, Middle River Residents Brave the Heat

Phyllis Edwards knows a thing or two about working in the heat.

Her family has sold produce grown from their farm along Bowleys Quarters Road for more than 100 years. Her grandfather began selling produce there in 1909 followed by her uncle and later she and her family took over.

The popular produce stand offers everything from corn and cucumbers to tomatoes, watermelon and squash.

A steady stream of customers braved the 100-degree heat on Thursday to check out what was for sale as Edwards, along with family friend Jackie White, did their best to remain cool.

“We’re drinking lots of water and staying in the shade,” Edwards said. “We’ve been through heat waves before. We have our food go right from our field to the back room of our stand to the front shelves. People can see exactly where our produce comes from. It’s as local as it gets. Still, it’s not easy dealing with the heat.”

The triple digit temperatures are a problem throughout the area.

The National Weather Service has an excessive heat watch in effect until 8 pm Friday and from 8 am to 10 pm Saturday as the heat index could reach 115 to 120.

According to the National Weather Service, an excessive heat watch means that prolonged periods of hot temperatures are expected, and conditions could create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

In addition, the Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a code red air quality alert for Friday. That means air pollution concentrations are at unhealthy levels for most people.

The weather conditions have also plagued all types of workers with safety issues. This includes Maryland State Police helicopter pilot Steve Miller, who said the hazy conditions make it difficult to fly.

"They tell us we have five miles of visibility, but it only seemed like 3.5 today," Miller said. "It's not easy when you have to land on the scene using visual flight rules."

The Baltimore County Fire Department is warning residents that infants, small children, young athletes, people over 65 and those with special health conditions are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Emergency management officials stress that residents should take the following precautions, according to a news release:

• When the heat index is high, stay indoors - preferably in an air-conditioned space - as much as possible.
• Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of the day - before 10 am and after 6 pm.
• Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Never leave children or pets (or anyone else) inside a parked car.
• Check on at-risk adults at least twice a day; monitor children for signs of heat-related illnesses.

Here is the weekend weather forecast for the area, according to the National Weather Service:

Friday night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight with a low of 82.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100 with the heat index reaching up to 111.

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with a low around 80.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon with a high near 96.