Story Category: Regional News »

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Charles County until 9pm EST Friday and a Heat Advisory until 9pm EST for Calvert and St. Mary's County.  The temperatures will be dangerously hot, around 100 degrees with heat index values upwards of 105 degrees.

The National Weather Service warns that people working outdoors or those without air conditioning are at risk for heat exhaustion and other heat related illnesses and advises those to take precautions.  As a result, the Charles County Government has opened cooling centers at Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf until 9pm, Nanjemoy Community Center until 4:30pm, the Richard R. Clark Senior Center in La Plata until 4pm, all three public library branches until 5pm, indoor pools at North Point High School in Waldorf and Henry E. Lackey High School in Indian Head until 5pm and outdoor pools until 8pm.  The fees at the pools in Charles County have been reduced to $2.00 per patron beginning at 3pm Friday.

Residents are encouraged to stay indoors or, if you have to stay outside, take precautions such as staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, avoiding alcohol consumption and dressing in light clothing.  Residents are encouraged not to leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.