The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has issued a hot weather advisory in response to a National Weather Service forecast for an expected heat index of at least 105 degrees today in all Maryland jurisdictions except Garrett County.

The heat index, also known as apparent temperature, measures what the temperature ‘feels like’ when temperature and humidity levels are combined.

A temperature of 95 degrees, combined with a humidity reading of 50 percent, will produce an apparent temperature of 105 degrees. Or, a temperature of 90 degrees and a humidity reading of 67 percent will feel like 105 degrees.

“When these two factors combine to create a heat index of 105 degrees, individuals must be especially cautious and take precautions to reduce the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion,” says DHMH Secretary S. Anthony McCann. “These two serious health conditions typically occur during hot and humid conditions.”

Individuals particularly vulnerable to the effects of hot, humid conditions include older adults, young children, those who are overweight, have heart disease, diabetes or other chronic health conditions.

“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of checking on your elderly relatives, friends and neighbors,” Secretary McCann said. “You never know when they may be in distress.”

Symptoms of heatstroke, the most serious of the two illness, is a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature of greater than 105 degrees and may include dry, reddened skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness and because of dehydration, may include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache.

Some common precautions to take to reduce the risk of heat illnesses are to:
    * drink plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration – beware that alcohol can impair the body’s sweat mechanism;
    * wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light colored clothing;  protect yourself from direct sunlight by staying in the shade or by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses;
* never leave young children or pets in a car even with the windows cracked.

Since June, Maryland has recorded 16 deaths related to hyperthermia. Deaths have been recorded in Calvert, Carroll, Dorchester, Harford, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Somerset and Worcester counties and in Baltimore City.

Parents are also reminded to check for hot surfaces before allowing children to use playground equipment, especially those that contain metal.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, solid steel decks, slides or steps in direct sunlight may reach temperatures high enough to cause serious contact burn injuries in a matter of seconds.