Heat Advisory in Effect Again; County Offers Cooling Centers

(UPDATE, 10:53 a.m., 6/21) -- The heat index in Carroll County will surpass 100 degrees Thursday, the National Weather Service reports, and county officials say several cooling centers will remain open.

See the full list below.

Officials say a heat advisory remains in effect in Carroll County from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday, mimicking Wednesday's weather conditions.

Temperatures will have been between 100 to 105 degrees in the greater Baltimore and D.C. region on both days, according to the NWS.

Weather analysts say both days are considered Code Orange status, which calls for a heat index between 101 and 150, according to the ranking system by the AIRNow program.

Such high temperatures make being in the heat unhealthy for people with issues like asthma or allergies, as well as the elderly.

Here's a look at the National Weather Service's forecast for Carroll County:

Day Night Thursday "Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 105. Northwest wind around 6 mph." "Isolated showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. West wind between 3 and 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.." Friday "Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. West wind between 3 and 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible." "Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. North wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms."

The Carroll County Emergency Management Division encourages people to follow these safety tips when temperatures and humidity are high:

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day.
  
  
• Wear loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing.
  
  
• Eat fewer proteins and drink plenty of water.
  
  
• Stay in air-conditioning.

The Carroll County Department of Citizen Services will operate six cooling centers for residents who are vulnerable to extreme heat and who do not have air-conditioning in their homes. Water will be also be available, according a county news release.

Officials also recommend citizens seek cool air at all branches of the Carroll County Public Library System.

The cooling centers and library locations are:

Eldersburg

• South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road
  Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

• Eldersburg Library, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg
  Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:45 p.m. 

Mount Airy

• Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Avenue
  Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Mt. Airy Library, 705 Ridge Avenue
  Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Westminster

• Citizen Services Office Building, 10 Distillery Drive
  Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Ave.
  Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Westminster Library, 50 East. Main Street
  Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.

• Additionally, Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, will open from 12-6 p.m. Sundays for Code Orange and Red days.

Finksburg

• Finksburg Library, 2265 Old Westminster Pike
  Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Greenmount

• North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike
  Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

• North Carroll Library, 2255 Hanover Pike
  Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Taneytown

• Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road
  Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Taneytown Library, 10 Grand Drive
  Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.

Additional information, including the State Heat Plan, heat reports, FAQs, and updated contact information is posted on the Department of Hygiene and Mental Health website.