The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for Wednesday, June 20, from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. High temperatures are expected to be around the mid to upper 90s. The heat index will be between 100 and 105 degrees. The hottest times are expected to be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check in on relatives and neighbors.

The Charles County Commissioners would like to announce that the public buildings listed below are open during regular business hours for use by residents as cooling centers during the extreme heat:

1) Capital Clubhouse (3033 Waldorf Market Place, Waldorf)

Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

2) Nanjemoy Community Center (4375 Port Tobacco Road, Nanjemoy)

Open 8:30 a.m. -8 p.m.

3) Charles County Libraries (All branches open 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

La Plata Branch, 2 Garrett Ave., LaPlata

P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, 50 Village St., Waldorf

Potomac Branch, 3225 Ruth B. Swan Dr., Indian Head

4) Outdoor Pools (Open 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.)

La Plata High School

McDonough High School

Thomas Stone High School 

5) Indoor Pools (Open 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

North Point High School

Lackey High School

Fees for indoor and outdoor pools are $5 for ages 13 and older; $4 for youth ages 2-12 and seniors; free for children under age 2.

·When the weather is extremely hot:

·Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

·Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

·Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

·Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.

·Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

·Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

·Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

·Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

·Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

·Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

·Contact 9-1-1 if you experience any emergency, heat related or otherwise.

·For additional preparedness information you can visit: www.ready.gov/heat

·For additional information about heat illnesses please see: dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat/SitePages/Home.aspx.