MD Weather Forecast: Severe Storm Risk, Record Heat To Feel Like 107 Degrees

Updated at 3:45 p.m.

MARYLAND — Residents in the city of Baltimore and 14 Maryland counties are under a severe thunderstorm watch Thursday afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service said. The storms may produce damaging winds and rain.

The watch is in effect until 11 p.m. for Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, and Washington counties, plus Baltimore city.

A heat advisory is in effect for the entire Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the best chance for severe storms will be between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Thursday, according to the NWS.

An excessive heat warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday for the same area. The warning means dangerously hot conditions with a heat index value — or "feels like" temperature — around 110 degrees is expected, the National Weather Service said.

The heat advisory said it may feel like 110 degrees Thursday afternoon in: Baltimore, Cecil, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Charles, St. Marys, Calvert, Montgomery, Howard and Harford counties.

Cities under the advisory include: Baltimore, Frederick, Eldersburg, Westminster, Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Elkton, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton, College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate, Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, St. Charles, Waldorf, Chesapeake Beach, Dunkirk, North Beach, Lusby, Prince Frederick, Germantown,
Damascus, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Columbia, Ellicott City, Jarrettsville and Aberdeen.

As the day progresses, a gusty southwest wind will make it “feel more like a blast furnace than giving much relief,” the Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang reported.

With temperatures possibly touching 100 degrees, scattered storms are likely to pop up to the west in the afternoon, creating a threat of locally damaging winds and heavy downpours as they head east into the closer-in suburbs and D.C., according to the Capital Weather Gang.

"Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities," the NWS said.

While the heat index is forecast to be worse on Friday due to higher humidity, thunderstorms are expected to be less numerous than on Thursday.

Prolonged exposure to heat could result in heat illness or heat stress. The Maryland Department of Health shared tips to help cope with hot weather:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and overly-sweetened beverages
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing
• Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen; stay in the shade when possible
• Avoid salt tablets unless advised by a doctor to take them
• Take it easy outside; schedule physical activity in the morning or evening when it’s cooler and take breaks if necessary

"As temperatures make a run at 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Baltimore and the upper 90s in Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia are among the major metro areas where temperatures will peak at or above the 90-degree mark for three days in a row — the official designation for a heat wave in the Northeast," AccuWeather said Thursday morning.

Here is a look at the National Weather Service forecast through the weekend for Maryland:

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 107. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 110. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 79. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. West wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: A chance of showers before 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69.