PRESS RELEASE
Interim Health Commissioner Declares First Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Sunday, June 22^nd Through Thursday, June 26^th 

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, June 20, 2025) – With temperatures expected to rise in the Baltimore region and the heat index forecasted to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for multiple days starting Sunday, June 22nd, the Baltimore City Interim Commissioner of Health Mary Beth Haller has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Sunday, 22^nd through Thursday, June 26^th. The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.  

“The health and safety of Baltimore’s residents is the City’s foremost priority as we head into this season’s first period of sustained high heat in our region,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “The city is taking every step and precaution necessary to protect residents and city workers during this heat wave. That is why I strongly urge every resident to take proper precautions, check on vulnerable friends and family, and use our City-designated cooling centers.”

The Health Commissioner may declare a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert during periods of heat that are severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of vulnerable Baltimore residents. Once a Code Red Extreme Heat declaration is made, activities are undertaken to encourage safety. Even on days when a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is not declared, it is important to take precautions. 

“With the anticipated high temperatures this weekend and next week, I am issuing a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert,” said Mary Beth Haller, Interim Commissioner of Health. “I urge residents—especially older adults, those who are pregnant, those with children, and people with pre-existing health conditions—to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and seek relief in shaded or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.” 

The Maryland Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported six heat-related deaths in Baltimore City for the 2024 heat season. There have been no heat-related deaths so far for the 2025 Code Red Extreme Heat season. 

The following cooling centers will be activated for the Code Red Extreme Heat Declaration. All facilities have free Wi-Fi unless indicated.  

Sunday, June 22, 2025  

*Do NOT have Wi-Fi available 

Monday, June 23, 2025  

*Do NOT have Wi-Fi available 

Tuesday, June 24 through Thursday, June 26, 2025 

*Do NOT have Wi-Fi available 

Residents seeking relief from the heat can also visit open Pratt Library locations.  

The Baltimore City Health Department recommends during times of heat that city residents: 

• Drink plenty of water 
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine 
• Reduce outside activities 
• Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) 
• Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations 
• Check on older adults and the sick in your community who may need help in the heat 

BCHD recommends keeping infants and children safe:  

• Never leave your child alone in the car.  Even for a few minutes, a car can heat up fast and become very dangerous.   
• Do not cover strollers with blankets. Even light covers can trap heat and make it too hot for your baby.   
• Make sure your baby sleeps safe. Babies can get too hot while sleeping, especially in summer. Getting too hot can raise the risk of sleep-related infant death. Babies should sleep:   
• Alone (not in bed with you or anyone else) 
• On their back 
• In a crib or bassinet with nothing else in it—no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals 
• In a smoke-free space (no cigarettes, marijuana, or vaping near your baby) 
• Always leave your baby’s head uncovered during sleep. Hats or hoods can cause overheating  
• Dress your baby in light sleep clothes. A good rule of thumb: dress them in the same number of layers you’d wear to sleep 
• Don’t wear blankets or thick sleepwear. If you’re worried about your baby getting cold, you can use a lightweight sleep sack instead of a blanket 
• Keep the room cool and let in fresh air if you can. A fan can help move air around the room—just don’t point it directly at your baby 
• If your baby wakes up hot and fussy, try using a cool, damp washcloth to gently wipe them down. That can help them cool off and settle back to sleep 

Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur: 

• Confusion 
• Nausea 
• Lightheadedness or headache 
• High body temperature with cool and clammy skin 
• Hot, dry, flushed skin 
• Rapid or slowed heartbeat and breathing  

BCHD also recommends keeping pets safe: 

• Never leave your pets in a parked car. Keep them safe and leave them at home. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise extremely quickly. Even on a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can rise to a deadly 110 degrees 
• Provide ample shade and water. Anytime your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water 
• Limit exercise on hot days. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk your dog on grass if possible 
• Watch for signs of heatstroke in pets. These include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, unable to get up, and a deep red or purple tongue. If you see signs of heatstroke, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately 

Additional steps to prepare your home if you don’t have air conditioning:   

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or awnings 
• Considering making temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to place between windows and drapes 
• With temperatures starting to climb, consider readying your household for summer by purchasing a window air conditioner and insulation     
• Take a cool bath and stay hydrated when temperatures increase indoors   

City residents who want cooling center information on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days can call 311. Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911. 

For more information on declared Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days, visit the Baltimore City Health Department’s website  and on Facebook @BaltimoreHealth. Additional information may also be found via the Baltimore City 311 line, and with local news media.