It's A Hot One! Heat Advisory, Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--As Tropical Storm Arthur slowly makes its way north, storms are popping up in Maryland as we deal with the worst heat of the summer so far. It is downright oppressive to be outside in this humidity.
Derek Valcourt has more on how people are coping with the extreme heat and humidity.
In addition, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for several parts of Maryland until 9 p.m.
Even on a sweltering day like this, Victor Bonaparte never misses his afternoon walk. But to make it in this heat he tries to walk in the shade as much as possible.
"And then I have a little trick where I go down to Cross Street Market and I walk through the market and so I cool off halfway," said Bonaparte, of Federal Hill.
Cooling off was the order of the day for almost everyone.
Those who have to be outside for work may have it the worst.
"Drink plenty of cold water and take your time. There's no real way to handle it," a construction worker said.
But you don't have to be doing physical labor in this kind of weather to work up a sweat. In fact, just stand outside and the perspiration starts forming in a matter of seconds.
That's why doctors say it's important not to underestimate the potential danger that comes with this kind of heat.
"It absolutely can be deadly," said Dr. Jacquelyn Duval-Harvey, interim city health commissioner.
The acting city health commissioner has declared a Code Red Heat Alert for Wednesday, warning people to drink lots of fluid, try to get indoors to air conditioning and to check on those most vulnerable to heat stroke and dehydration: the very old and the very young .
"If it gets to the point where people start to feel nauseous, they should go to a medical facility immediately," Duval-Harvey said.
Still plenty say they'll willing to brave the heat for an afternoon stroll. They just take plenty of precautions.
"It's OK with water. You can do it," said Ginny Cunningham, walker.
Each year, more people die from heat than hurricanes and all other kinds of weather combined.
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