Excessive Heat Leads to More Early School Closures

Baltimore County school officials announced Tuesday afternoon that schools will close three hours early again on Wednesday due to the heat and humidity, with no afternoon pre-kindergarten. Graduation ceremonies will proceed as scheduled.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. on Tuesday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s again with a heat index making it feel like up to 105 degrees.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has also issued a code orange air quality alert. This means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. These groups include children and the elderly, along with people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases.

The Baltimore County Health Department offered the following tips for dealing with 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.

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