The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Tri-State area for Friday afternoon and early evening due to excessive heat conditions in which the heat index could reach up to 106 to 109 degrees in some areas.
The heat advisory is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. Friday for areas that include Washington and Frederick counties in Maryland, Franklin and Fulton counties in Pennsylvania and Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties in West Virginia.
The heat indices are forecast to reach higher temperatures in urban areas and in Frederick County, east of the mountains, said meteorologist Erik Taylor with the Baltimore-Washington Forecast Office.
For Friday, the peak heat indices are forecast to be:
- In Washington, Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties, between 103 and 105 degrees.
- In more urban areas like Hagerstown and in Martinsburg and Berkeley Springs in West Virginia the heat index is expected to be on the higher end, around 105 to 106 degrees.
- In Franklin and Fulton counties in Pennsylvania, up to 103 degrees. Though that could go up or down a little depending on cloud cover, said meteorologist Barry Lambert with the State College, Pa., Forecast Office.
- In Frederick County, Md., with the exception of the Thurmont area, up to 108, 109 degrees. This includes downtown Frederick and the urban corridor along Interstate 270.
- In Frederick County up toward the Catoctin Mountains, including the Thurmont area, around 100 to 105 degrees.
The heat indices are expected to go down a little bit on Saturday, but could still be in the area where the weather service could consider issuing a heat advisory, Taylor said.
The threshold for a heat advisory in the local area is a heat index reaching at least 100 degrees for two hours, while an excessive heat warning kicks in when the heat index sustains at least 105 degrees for two hours.
High temperatures are expected to be in the 90s through Tuesday in the region, according to the weather service.
The Tri-State area is part of a large swath along the East Coast that is listed as being at major risk of heat-related impacts on Friday, according to the HeatRisk Forecast Tool from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Major risk, according to the site, includes to people exposed to the sun and active or who are in a heat-sensitive group. There also is a danger to people who aren't properly hydrated or cooled.
"For those without air conditioning, living spaces can become deadly during the afternoon and evening. Fans and open windows will not be as effective," and there could be power outages based on increased demand for electricity, the site states.
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Advice for dealing with high heat index
The weather service's heat advisory notes to drink plenty of fluids and stay in air conditioning and out of the sun.
"Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances," the advisory states.
Weather officials also recommend checking on family and neighbors.
If you are working or spending time outdoors, the advisory states:
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends frequent rest breaks in shade or air conditioning be scheduled.
- Reschedule strenuous activities for early morning or evening.
- Wear lighweight and loose fitting clothing.
- Know the signs and symptoms for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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