Air quality alert, heat advisory issued in area
A heat wave that baked the Midwest last week was shifting eastward this weekend; it brought temperatures well into the 90s Sunday across Central Maryland. High temperatures were forecast for 98 degrees today in the Baltimore region. A “Code Orange” air quality alert is in effect for Baltimore and Carroll, Baltimore, Harford, Howard and Anne Arundel counties. That indicates conditions could be difficult for sensitive groups, including the elderly, children and those with heart or lung conditions. National Weather Service forecasters issued a heat advisory Sunday afternoon for today from noon to 8 p.m. Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana S. Wen issued the city’s first “Code Red” heat advisory of the season for Sunday and has extended it through Tuesday. The declaration encourages residents to limit outdoor activity, to drink plenty of clear, non-alcoholic drinks, and to keep a close eye on children and the elderly, who are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church participates in a “Banjos, BBQ and blue-jean” fundraiser Sunday afternoon to benefit Ellicott City flood relief efforts. Merchants and others from the area are donating part of their proceeds. about 1:25 p.m. in the 1800 block of Ramsay Street on the southwest side of the city, police said. He was taken to a hospital and because of the seriousness of his injuries, homicide detectives have assumed control of the investigation, police said. His name was not released. Anyone with information in either shooting is urged to call the Homicide Unit at 410-396-2100. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line, at 1-866-7LOCKUP or by downloading the Baltimore Police Department’s mobile app.