Heat, Air Quality are Concerns for Pikesville, Region

The temperature has been in the 90s most of Monday with high humidity, so there are 100 to 105-degree heat index values as well, according to the National Weather Service. 

That's excessive heat, so the NWS issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Tuesday, for Baltimore County and many surrounding counties in Maryland. Counties in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. are also affected.

"The combination of temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible," the advisory states.  "Young children and pets are most at risk," and people should check in on their relatives and neighbors.

The situation won't be much better tomorrow, when the heat advisory is expected to continue. Again temperatures will be in the mid-90s with high humidity.

In addition, there's a code orange air quality alert in effect Monday and Tuesday.

"A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups," the alert states.

According to the advisory, groups that are sensitive to poor air quality are:

• children
• people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases
• the elderly

For Monday and Tuesday, the NWS recommends avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors, drinking plenty of water or sports drinks, and taking frequent breaks in the shade.