Overview

• Flash flood watches are in effect Thursday for central and eastern Maryland with forecasters predicting 1 to 6 inches of rain from scattered thunderstorms
• The National Weather Service heat advisory and Baltimore City’s Code Red Extreme Heat Alert have been extended through Thursday after temperatures peaked near 97°F with heat indices above 105°F
• Maryland Department of Health data show at least 19 heat-related deaths so far this summer, surpassing the toll recorded by this point in recent years
• The Maryland Department of the Environment’s Code Orange Air Quality Alert remains active due to elevated ground-level ozone, prompting cautions for sensitive groups
• Officials have expanded cooling center services and urged residents to stay hydrated and monitor alerts as a cold front is expected to usher in cooler conditions this weekend