BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A Code Red Extreme Heat Alert has been issued for Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12, as temperatures are expected to rise in the region and the heat index is forecasted to exceed 100 degrees.
“This first Code Red Extreme Heat Alert of the season serves as an important reminder that extreme heat is not just uncomfortable, – it’s a serious public health threat and marks the beginning of what could be a challenging summer season,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, Commissioner of Health
During these days, residential trash and recycling collection will begin at 5:00 a.m. to allow our solid waste crews to complete their routes during the cooler hours of the day. Residents should place materials at the curb the night before collection.
As of 2026, the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has reported one heat-related death in Baltimore City.
The following cooling centers will be activated on Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12:
- Cherry Hill Homes at 2700 Spelman Rd. from 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
- Brooklyn Homes at 4140 10th St. from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- ShopRite of Howard Park at 4601 Liberty Heights Ave. from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Harford Senior Center at 4920 Harford Rd. from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Hatton Senior Center at 2825 Fait Ave. from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Oliver Senior Center at 1700 Gay St. from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sandtown Winchester Senior Center at 1601 Baker St. from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging at 4501 Reisterstown Rd. from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Beans and Bread at 400 S. Bond St. from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
- Franciscan Center at 101 W. 23rdSt. from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
- Manna House at 435 E. 25thSt. from 10:00 AM -2:00 PM
- My Sisters Place (open to women and children only) at 17 W. Franklin St. from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Weinberg Housing Resource Center at 620 Fallsway from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Harbel at 5807 Harford Rd. from 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Residents can also visit Enoch Pratt Free Library locations to seek relief from heat.
The Baltimore City Health Department recommends residents do the following:
Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, before feeling thirsty
- Avoid direct sun and peak hours. Stay indoors between 10am and 4pm, if possible. Stay in theshadewhen outdoors
- Plan travel and appointments during cooler times. Schedule appointments in the morning or evening when it’s cooler
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, breathable clothing
- Rest often and avoid heavy activity
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations
- Take a cool shower or place a cool, damp washcloth around your neck orwrists. Avoid using fans in closed rooms or rooms with temperatures in the mid-90s or higher
- Check on older adults and the sick in your community who may need help in the heat
Recommendations on keeping infants and children safe:
- Never leave your child alone in the car. Even for a few minutes, a car can heat up fast and become very dangerous
- Do not cover strollers with blankets. Even light covers can trap heat and make it too hot for your baby
- Make sure your baby sleeps safely
Babies can overheat while sleeping, particularly in summer. Overheating can increase the risk of sleep-related infant death.
Babies should sleep:
- Alone (not in bed with you or anyone else)
- On their back
- In a crib or bassinet with nothing else in it- no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals
- In a smoke-free space (no cigarettes, marijuana, or vaping near your baby)
- Always leave your baby’s head uncovered during sleep. Hats or hoods can cause overheating
- Dress your baby in light sleep clothes. A good rule of thumb: dress them in the same number of layers you’d wear to sleep
- Don’t wear blankets or thick sleepwear. If you’re worried about your baby getting cold, you can use a lightweight sleep sack instead of a blanket
- Keep the room cool and let in fresh air if you can. A fan can help move air around the room- just don’t point it directly at your baby
- If your baby wakes up hot and fussy, try using a cool, damp washcloth to gently wipe them down. That can help them cool off and settle back to sleep
- Pregnancy can make you more likely to get sick on very hot days. Heat exposure may also be dangerous for your developing baby. Your body must work harder to cool both you and your developing baby
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke include the following:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness or headache
- High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
- Hot, dry, flushed skin
- Rapid or slowed heartbeat and breathing
Anyone experiencing a heat-related medical emergency or showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911 immediately.
Recommendations on keeping pets safe during extreme heat:
- Never leave your pets in a parked car. Keep them safe and leave them at home. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise extremely quickly. Even on a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can rise to a deadly 110 degrees
- Provide ample shade and water. Anytime your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water
- Limit exercise on hot days to early morning or evening hours. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk your dog on grass if possible
- Watch for signs of heatstroke. These include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, unable to get up, and a deep red or purple tongue. If you see signs of heatstroke, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately
Residents in the city who want information about cooling centers can call 311.
For more information on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days, visit the Baltimore City Health Department’s website.
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