Heat in Maryland, July 13 to 19, 1997

The combination of antecedent dry weather, a prolonged upper-level high pressure area, and the time of year produced a bona-fide heat wave across much of Maryland during the middle of the month. Unlike events of previous years, the apparent temperature was not quite as oppressive. Nonetheless, daytime high temperatures averaged in the upper 90s for the 7 days, with the hottest days occurring on the 17th and 18th.Surface ozone levels became hazardous as the heat wave persisted; the Metropolitan Council of Governments declared code orange (approaching unhealthful) or red (unhealthful) conditions each day. The heat wave resulted in increased power output; Baltimore Gas and Electric reported a record 6,000 megawatts on the 15th. Water usage bans were enforced in portions of southern Washington Co (MDZ003) from the 13th through the 17th.Three persons perished in Maryland (west of the Bay) from the heat in July. One death was indirect; on July 20th, a woman died in an automobile because the vehicle's windows were shut tight (Montgomery Co, F89VE). The other deaths were directly attributable to the heat. A woman was found dead in her Baltimore City apartment on the morning of the 18th; the unit had no air conditioning or fans and the interior temperature was measured at 90 degrees at 0600 EST. Late in the month (July 27th) a man collapsed while riding a motorcycle; he was wearing several layers of heavy clothing.Local hospitals across the state reported dozens of persons were treated for heat-related disorders. Most were from heat exhaustion; some were from the more dangerous heat stroke. Many were in the Baltimore-Annapolis metropolitan region, including 3 Navy midshipmen.