Maryland will see extremely hot weather early this week, with a heat index, or “feels like” temperature, as high as 110 degrees.

The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Heat Warning through Tuesday evening for the Baltimore region, as the weather is expected to remain sunny and hot with a high near 100 degrees.

In response, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a “State of Preparedness” on Monday, directing the Department of Emergency Management to prepare to respond to any impacts from the heat.

“We ask that all Marylanders do their part to stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and stay in cool locations as much as possible. Check on vulnerable family members and friends throughout the week to make sure they’re staying safe too,” Moore said in a statement.

Baltimore’s first Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for the year went into effect Saturday and is expected to go through Thursday. Mary Beth Haller, the city’s interim health commissioner, urged residents to stay hydrated and cool — especially children, older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.

A strong ridge of high pressure is creating “very warm” air mass over the region, a phenomenon known as a heat dome, said Cody Ledbetter, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington forecast office. Temperatures will likely remain above normal for the next six to 10 days, he said.

Extreme heat can be deadly. Last year, at least 25 people died of heat-related illnesses, according to the Maryland Department of Health. One of those people was Ronald Silver II, a sanitation worker who died on the job after asking for water. Baltimore was given a “serious” citation by the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health over the type of hazardous working conditions in Baltimore’s sanitation division that preceded Silver’s death.

When the body is unable to keep itself cool, a person have a higher risk of developing heat exhaustion and heatstroke, according to the World Health Organization. Heat can also worsen the risks of existing chronic illnesses.

Keeping cool

Cities and counties across the region usually open cooling centers during a potentially dangerous heat wave, which is the deadliest form of extreme weather.

A list of cooling centers in Baltimore can be found on the Health Department website.

Additionally, Baltimore City pools will be open this week on a modified schedule, the city’s department of Recreation and Parks said.

All city pools will be opened from noon-2 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. until Thursday, except for the Patterson Park, Roosevelt and Middle Branch pools, which will open at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Howard County Health Department issued a heat alert starting Monday and extending through Tuesday. The county’s community centers and library branches will be open for residents in need of a cooler environment, according to a press release.

Cooling centers in Carroll County are open through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. A list of cooling centers can be found on the Carroll County website.

The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management also issued an extreme heat warning for 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday. The county’s police stations, senior centers and public libraries can be used to cool off, the department said.

During extreme heat, the Maryland Department of Health advises people to drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol, caffeine and overly sweetened beverages to stay hydrated. Residents should also wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, wear sunscreen and exercise when temperatures are cooler.

Adjustments due to heat

The extreme heat is causing some transit delays and changes.

Amtrak travelers may experience delays between noon and 8 p.m. due to temperature-related speed restrictions.

Also, MARC Penn Line train 642, which departs Union Station at 6 p.m., will be cancelled each day this week, according to the Maryland Transit Administration. Travelers can instead use train 440, which will add a stop at Martin Airport, and train 544.

The Harbor Connector is operating on an adjusted schedule on Monday due to the heat, according to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation.

Some city and state services are also operating on an adjusted schedule due to the heat. Curbside collections of trash and recycling in Howard County will begin earlier, at 5 a.m. through this week.

That’s also the case in Anne Arundel County, which will begin collecting trash at 5 a.m. starting on Monday, according to an alert on its website. This will continue throughout the summer until the end of August.