For the third consecutive day, the Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange air quality alert in the Baltimore metro area and Annapolis region for Wednesday.
During Code Orange alerts, children, people with asthma and other groups sensitive to polluted air are urged to avoid strenuous activity or exercise outdoors, the National Weather Service said. The threat level is above yellow, which is moderate, but below red, which is unhealthy, and purple, which is very unhealthy.
Wednesday is expected to be hot and stormy with a high temperature around 98 with a heat index around 104. The index measures how hot the air feels and how uncomfortable people are likely to be based on the temperature combined with the humidity.
The Baltimore Department of Health also issued a Code Red extreme heat alert for Wednesday.
“With the anticipated high temperature tomorrow, I am issuing a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert,” Mary Beth Haller, the interim health commissioner, said in a statement. “I urge residents—especially older adults, young children, people with pre-existing health conditions, first responders, and frontline workers —to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and seek relief in shaded or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.”
Baltimore City Schools announced Tuesday night that due to the forecast and mechanical issues, Sinclair Lane and Arlington elementary schools and Pimlico Elementary/Middle were released three hours early Wednesday. Baltimore City College was released at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Lunch was provided.
[ Get the latest weathercast from FOX45 News ]
A chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected to start at 8 p.m. Wednesday and last through the night, when the low temperature is in the mid-70s with a 40% chance of rain.
Thursday, the high temperature is expected to drop back into the mid-80s with a 40% chance of rain in the afternoon and increase to 50% at night.
Friday is expected to be cloudy with a high temperature around 78.
A chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected to return Saturday, starting around 2 p.m. and lasting through the night.
Sunday and Monday, which is Labor Day, are expected to have highs in the mid-80s. There’s a chance of showers on Sunday, while Monday is expected to be mostly sunny.
