As the National Weather Service predicts possible record-breaking heat starting Wednesday, local governments are taking precautionary steps.
The city of Frederick Parks and Recreation Department said outdoor activities may be affected.
Temperatures are expected to reach highs in the upper 90s on Wednesday and the lower 100s on Thursday and Friday, according to Brian LaSorsa, a meteorologist with the NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast office.
Then, temperatures are expected to drop slightly to the upper 90s on Saturday and the lower 90s on Sunday.
The hottest points of the day on Thursday and Friday might see a heat index of 105 to 110. The heat index "is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature," according to the National Weather Service website.
The weather will feel "very uncomfortable to oppressive," LaSorsa said, "possibly breaking record temperatures."
The city of Frederick is opening its cooling center at 100 S. Market St. from Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., according to city spokesperson Jennifer Gerlock. Water and light refreshments will be available.
Frederick County government is taking several measures to prepare for the heat, including increasing Division of Fire and Rescue Services staff and checking the air conditioning units on county Transit vehicles, according to county spokesperson Hope Morris.
"All buses have air conditioning. Transit is preparing for larger crowds, ensuring AC is functional, and will have bottled water at the Transit Center," she wrote in an email.
The county Parks and Recreation department is preparing for outdoor camps and programming to move to indoor air-conditioned spaces if necessary.
"All outdoor programs follow temperature protocols and modify or cancel events as needed," Morris wrote. "If groups who have reserved outdoor space cancel, they are not penalized for canceling."
Sean Poulin, the superintendent of recreation for the city of Frederick, said all programs are planned to proceed as scheduled, but outdoor programs might be limited if the heat becomes severe.
Both of the city's outdoor pools will have normal operating hours, he said.
Allroy Horne, the manager of the Edward P. Thomas Swimming Pool in Baker Park, said his staff will stock up on instant-cool ice packs in case visitors experience heat stroke.
He said that in the past three years he's worked at the pool, he's seen one person pass out from heat.
His staff, he said, is certified in CPR and other forms of first aid.
Morris wrote that Animal Control officers will be on routine duty and they urge people to keep pets inside with access to fresh water. She added that pets should not walk on hot pavement.
The county offers Frederick County Public Libraries locations as cooling centers during their business hours, Morris wrote.
County employees within the Divisions of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste and Recycling, and Water and Sewer follow special protocols during high heat periods, Morris wrote. They may avoid working during the hottest parts of the day or limit duties to emergency work, she wrote.
Beyond Shelter Frederick, an organization that provides resources to Frederick's homeless population, made a Facebook post on Monday requesting donations of bottle water, cooling towels and sunscreen. Donations can be left at their office at 27 Degrange St. in Frederick from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Working or exercising in direct sunlight when the weather is hotter than 90 degrees "will stress your body after 15 minutes," according to the National Weather Service website. It recommends taking at least 45 minutes of breaks after each 15 minutes of working or exercising in direct sunlight in those conditions.
