The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert Monday for the Maryland suburban DC region. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles visit the web site mde.maryland.gov/programs/air/AirQualityMonitoring/Pages/index.aspx.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert Monday for the Baltimore City Metro and Annapolis region. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles visit the web site mde.maryland.gov/programs/air/AirQualityMonitoring/Pages/index.aspx.

* WHAT. For the Heat Advisory, heat index values around 100. For the Excessive Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 108 expected. * WHERE. Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York Counties. * WHEN. For the Heat Advisory, until noon EDT Monday. For the Excessive Heat Warning, from noon Monday to 8 PM EDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS. Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

High air temperatures in the upper 90s coupled with higher humidity along the waters of the Tidal Potomac and Chesapeake Bay are resulting in localized heat indices of around 100 to 105 degrees. The potential for showers and thunderstorms exists this afternoon, which would cool the air temperatures. Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air- conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

* WHAT. For the Excessive Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 110 expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible. * WHERE. Portions of central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia. * WHEN. For the Excessive Heat Warning, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Monday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS. Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Very warm and humid conditions will persist into the overnight hours. Ensure to stay hydrated and find ways to stay cool.

* WHAT. For the Heat Advisory, heat index values around 105 to 109 expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible. * WHERE. Portions of central and north central Maryland and central, northern and northwest Virginia. * WHEN. For the Heat Advisory, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Monday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS. Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Very warm and humid conditions will persist into the overnight hours. Ensure to stay hydrated and find ways to stay cool.

* WHAT. For the Excessive Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 105 expected. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105 possible. * WHERE. In Maryland, Washington County. In Virginia, Shenandoah, Frederick VA, Page, Warren and Clarke Counties. In West Virginia, Morgan, Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. * WHEN. For the Excessive Heat Warning, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Monday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS. Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Very warm and humid conditions will persist into the overnight hours. Ensure to stay hydrated and find ways to stay cool.