CUMBERLAND — Beginning Wednesday and lasting through the holiday weekend, experts are warning citizens of the first extreme heat and humidity of the season and how to protect against it, and when the area may see relief.
“The high temperatures will reach 95 to 99 degrees each day and only drop to around 70 degrees at night,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said about the forecast through July Fourth. “It will be hot and humid.”
The AccuWeather Real Feel temperature over these days will hit 104 to 108 degrees, Merrill said.
Merrill said thunderstorms that are capable of producing damaging winds are possible Friday and Saturday afternoon, adding with the storms the heat wave will start to break down on Saturday.
Storms that typically break down a heat dome — a weather phenomena that can make already-high temperatures even more extreme and prolonged — can produce large swaths of wind damage, Merrill said.
“Residents should be on high alert. These storms will be coming from the north or northwest,” he said.
The average temperature for Allegany County in late June to early July is around 87 degrees, Merrill said.
“The heat wave is pushing the temperature 10 degrees above average,” Merrill said.
The highest daily recorded temperatures for July 1 is 95 degrees, while July 2 and 3 are 97 degrees, according to Merrill.
“At least one of these days will see the daily record go by the wayside,” he said.
Merrill said that in late June 2025, Cumberland saw a similar heat wave with temperatures at 99 degrees for two consecutive days.
Cooling shelters
“Most fire stations and churches can be used as cooling centers if needed,” Allegany County Department of Emergency Services Director Roger Bennett said. “We only activate them if there is a power outage or other type of cooling or sheltering need.”
City Administrator Jeff Silka said the city does not offer cooling centers for citizens to escape extreme heat and conditions.
“Non air-conditioned homes are typically warmest inside between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.,” Merrill said. “Those without air conditioning may want to try to stay at a relative’s or neighbor’s home through Friday.”
The extreme heat is not the only issue that may affect citizens, he added. With the humidity, the air quality will likely trend moderate.
“Those with lung disease may particularly want to avoid being outdoors,” Merrill said. “Farmers and gardeners will want to water crops and flowers regularly, either in the early morning before daybreak or late in the evening.”
The evaporation rates will be excessive, and the ground will dry out quickly in the intense heat, Merrill said.
Heat emergency
The hottest part of the day to be outside is usually between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Allegany County EMS Jurisdictional Medical Director Dr. Rameen Shafiei said.
“It is best to avoid the hottest parts of the day entirely and, when possible, remain indoors,” Shafiei said. “If you absolutely have to be outside for any length of time, wear sunscreen, use long sleeves and hats to avoid sun exposure and drink plenty of water or sports drinks.”
Shafiei, an emergency room physician at UPMC Western Maryland, said citizens should take frequent breaks if playing sports or doing anything physically demanding.
“Take frequent breaks, more frequent than you normally would,” Shafiei said.
Shafiei explained that anytime the wet bulb temperature — the lowest temperature to which air can be cooled by the evaporation of water — is 77 degrees.
“It becomes dangerous to remain outdoors,” he said. “It is at this point that our body’s natural ability to cool itself by way of sweating is compromised.”
He reminded citizens if they begin to feel fatigued, excessively thirsty or become dizzy or weak, they should immediately go indoors to an air-conditioned environment.
“If you pass out, become increasingly confused and delirious or are having any kind of stroke-like symptoms (like) slurred speech, you or someone you know should immediately call 911 and seek medical attention,” Shafiei said.