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CBS News
9 hours ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Maryland heat wave peaks, severe storms & flood risk Thursday
Maryland will be enduring the sixth day of this current heat wave. This latest heat wave will peak in intensity today with high temperatures in the upper 90s and feels like temperatures soaring to 100° to 110°. We are entering day six of our current wave and despite the end being in sight, we're going to have to tough out the most challenging day of heat and humidity. High temperatures will climb into the middle to upper 90s. Combine the heat with tropical levels of humidity, and it's a potentially dangerous cocktail of weather, if you're not taking the adequate steps, to keep your body cool and hydrated. This is a WJZ First Alert Weather Day for extreme heat and humidity. Air Quality Alerts are in effect Wednesday for the following counties in Maryland: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Harford, Cecil, and central and eastern Howard. Ground level ozone will reach unhealthy levels leading to code orange air quality. The sick, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups should limit time outside due to the unhealthy air and extreme temperatures. A Heat Advisory is also in effect for most of Maryland Wednesday, including the following counties: Anne Arundel, Howard, Carroll, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Harford, and Cecil counties. The combination of scorching temperatures and soupy humidity will lead to dangerously hot conditions with feels like temperatures quickly spiking between 100° to 108° from late morning through the dinner hour. The Orioles home game early Wednesday afternoon will be stifling hot. First pitch against the Blue Jays will take place at 12:35 p.m.. Temperatures throughout the game will be in the middle 90s with the heat index in the seats ranging from 105° to 110°. Please wear adequate sun protection including sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and drink plenty of water. A few isolated afternoon and evening strong thunderstorms are possible this afternoon, but they should remain sparse in coverage. More places than not will stay dry and scorching hot today. Thursday will feature the last day of hot and steamy air across Maryland. If the heat wave doesn't end Wednesday it will come to an end Thursday after the storms pass through the area. The hottest temperatures Thursday will be felt during the morning and midday hours. The heat index will reach between 95° to 105° by late morning through early afternoon. Please stay hydrated and dress in light weight, light colored clothing. We'll see partly sunny skies, hazy, and tropical conditions through lunchtime. Scattered to numerous strong to severe thunderstorms will develop as early as lunchtime Thursday and continue through 9 p.m. There will likely be a few clusters of strong to severe storms from early afternoon through early evening. The greatest risk from these storms will be copious amounts of cloud to ground lightning, strong to locally damaging winds, and blinding downpours. Storms will be capable of producing 1 to 2 inches of rain in just a half hour! So flash flooding, downed trees and tree limbs, and travel disruptions are possible during the afternoon and evening commute time period. Stay with the WJZ First Alert Weather Team for updates on any flood and/or severe weather watches and warnings Thursday. Clouds, scattered showers, and high humidity levels will be around Friday morning. While the humidity will still be running at very high levels, the clouds and showers will put an end to the heat. By Friday afternoon, showers should continue to taper off with some late day breaks in the clouds possible. High temperatures Friday will only top out in the middle to upper 70s. The first weekend of the new month of August looks to bring a welcome break from the heat and humidity. Overnight lows will drop into the 50s and 60s. Expect sunny skies both Saturday and Sunday. Afternoon highs will be extremely pleasant, topping out in the upper 70s to low 80s. Humidity levels will fall to some of the lowest levels of the entire summer so far! The weather looks spectacular from the mountains of western Maryland to the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Go ahead and make your outdoor plans now! Looking ahead, warmer and more humid conditions are likely to return early next week. A few showers are possible for Eastern Shore communities Monday afternoon, with better rain chances and a more summer-like feel returning statewide by Wednesday.
The National
22-07-2025
- Climate
- The National
Peak summer brings heat warning for outdoor workers and the elderly in the UAE
As the UAE braces for one of the hottest spells of the summer, doctors are offering advice on how to stay safe as the temperature edges towards 50°C. Hot and humid conditions at the height of summer are nothing new, but with winds picking up dust and sand, air quality can make it a difficult time to be outdoors. Most will choose the sanctuary of working in an air-conditioned area but for those with little option but to spend time outside this summer, health professionals have called for caution. 'This week's high temperatures, increased dust levels and humidity in Dubai can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those with respiratory or heart conditions,' Dr Mohamed Shafeeq, an internal medicine specialist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, Dubai, told The National. 'To stay safe, it is advised to remain indoors during peak heat hours of 11am until 4pm, stay well hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Those with asthma or other respiratory issues should limit dust exposure and keep their medication on hand.' Symptoms to spot Common signs of heat or respiratory stress include dizziness, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, fatigue and chest discomfort. Any signs of heat stroke should be followed up with medical attention. 'These symptoms should not be ignored and medical attention should be sought promptly if they arise,' said Dr Shafeeq. 'Maintaining basic preventive measures during extreme weather is essential for protecting personal health and preventing avoidable complications. Public awareness and early action can make a significant difference. 'Special care should be taken with infants and the elderly, as they may not communicate symptoms clearly, and try to check on neighbours or family members who live alone. Employers should also ensure outdoor staff are given regular breaks, shade and water.' Since June 15, employers have been told to restrict their workers' exposure to heat, by limiting their time outdoors. Hot weather protocols have been in place during peak summer since 2004, under an initiative by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to keep people safe in the workplace. The directive runs until September 15, prohibiting work in direct sunlight or open air spaces from 12.30pm until 3pm. Ageing populations The number of people exposed to extreme heat around the world is growing year-on-year, the World Health Organisation says. In those over 65, a group vulnerable to heat illness, the number of older people dying from heat-related complications increased 85 per cent between 2000-2004 an 2017-2021. Physiological factors such as age and health status have a major effect on heat vulnerability. More people living longer into old age has put more at risk from heath complications associated with heatwaves, defined as a period where localised excess heat accumulates over a sequence of unusually hot days and nights. Dr Deepak Gopal Dube, a specialist of internal medicine at International Modern Hospital, said heat stroke can be life threatening. 'Heat-related conditions can be anything from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and then the more severe heat stroke, which is a life-threatening condition,' he said. 'We see heat-related illnesses particularly in people who are exposed in industries in a closed environment with a lot of heat inside, and of course those working outdoors. 'These people should be very careful regarding their prolonged heat exposure, if they are older there is an even greater risk of a stroke.' Dr Dube said regular rest stops away from direct sun can give the body an opportunity to cool down with ice packs and fluids. 'Workers exposed to the heat we are seeing currently should have intermittent rest periods, where every 30 to 45 minutes they should go to a cool place and get some hydration before resuming work,' he said. 'That can at least prevent any heat-related issues. We are getting into peak season now for temperatures, and it is likely to last until at least September so people should know the risks and take precautions.'
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Some 52% of people ‘have recently been somewhere refusing or discouraging cash'
More than three-quarters (76%) of people believe it is important to have the option to pay with cash and four-fifths (82%) think all shops should accept it, a survey has found. More than half (52%) of people said they had been somewhere during the previous two months that had not accepted or had discouraged the use of cash – and 56% said this was an inconvenience to them. The research was commissioned by cash access and ATM network Link. It found that contactless via cards was the most preferred payment method among people surveyed, with 40% choosing this option. But nearly two-thirds (65%) of people said that physical coins and banknotes gave them confidence that 'nothing would go wrong', such as a payment outage. Cash remains particularly popular among people aged 55 and over, with 25% preferring cash compared with 8% of 25 to 34-year-olds, the survey indicated. Supermarkets and convenience stores are the most popular places where people have spent cash, the research indicated. Nearly seven in 10 (69%) people surveyed said they had used cash to pay for something in the previous two weeks. Three-quarters (75%) of people surveyed said they could easily make their day-to-day payments by phone or card. But 85% said they worry that a cashless society could exclude vulnerable groups, and 71% see cash as vital for personal freedom. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of people said they are unlikely to go completely cashless in the next 12 months. One in 12 (8%) said they lead 'cashless' lives. Graham Mott, Link director of strategy said: 'Cash remains a critical part of the UK's payment landscape. This research shows that, while digital payments are growing, cash continues to play a vital role in financial inclusion, budgeting and consumer choice.' YouGov carried out the survey among more than 2,200 people across the UK in June. Earlier this month, it emerged that the Bank of England will monitor cash acceptance on an ongoing basis, following a Treasury Committee report which raised concerns about the future of coins and banknotes. In its response to the report, the Government said the Bank had committed to continuing to include an additional question on cash acceptance in its survey of consumers, after it was introduced in January. The committee has highlighted how UK businesses and organisations can choose to refuse cash with no legal duty to accommodate customers' varying needs. Its report, published earlier this year, warned that a lack of action to tackle declining cash acceptance could lead to a two-tier society with the most vulnerable bearing the cost. MPs called for improved monitoring. The committee highlighted that vulnerable groups, such as people with learning disabilities, domestic abuse victims and the elderly, could be particularly affected.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Some 52% of people ‘have recently been somewhere refusing or discouraging cash'
More than three-quarters (76%) of people believe it is important to have the option to pay with cash and four-fifths (82%) think all shops should accept it, a survey has found. More than half (52%) of people said they had been somewhere during the previous two months that had not accepted or had discouraged the use of cash – and 56% said this was an inconvenience to them. The research was commissioned by cash access and ATM network Link. It found that contactless via cards was the most preferred payment method among people surveyed, with 40% choosing this option. But nearly two-thirds (65%) of people said that physical coins and banknotes gave them confidence that 'nothing would go wrong', such as a payment outage. Cash remains particularly popular among people aged 55 and over, with 25% preferring cash compared with 8% of 25 to 34-year-olds, the survey indicated. Supermarkets and convenience stores are the most popular places where people have spent cash, the research indicated. Nearly seven in 10 (69%) people surveyed said they had used cash to pay for something in the previous two weeks. Three-quarters (75%) of people surveyed said they could easily make their day-to-day payments by phone or card. But 85% said they worry that a cashless society could exclude vulnerable groups, and 71% see cash as vital for personal freedom. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of people said they are unlikely to go completely cashless in the next 12 months. One in 12 (8%) said they lead 'cashless' lives. Graham Mott, Link director of strategy said: 'Cash remains a critical part of the UK's payment landscape. This research shows that, while digital payments are growing, cash continues to play a vital role in financial inclusion, budgeting and consumer choice.' YouGov carried out the survey among more than 2,200 people across the UK in June. Earlier this month, it emerged that the Bank of England will monitor cash acceptance on an ongoing basis, following a Treasury Committee report which raised concerns about the future of coins and banknotes. In its response to the report, the Government said the Bank had committed to continuing to include an additional question on cash acceptance in its survey of consumers, after it was introduced in January. The committee has highlighted how UK businesses and organisations can choose to refuse cash with no legal duty to accommodate customers' varying needs. Its report, published earlier this year, warned that a lack of action to tackle declining cash acceptance could lead to a two-tier society with the most vulnerable bearing the cost. MPs called for improved monitoring. The committee highlighted that vulnerable groups, such as people with learning disabilities, domestic abuse victims and the elderly, could be particularly affected.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Some 52% of people ‘have recently been somewhere refusing or discouraging cash'
More than three-quarters (76%) of people believe it is important to have the option to pay with cash and four-fifths (82%) think all shops should accept it, a survey has found. More than half (52%) of people said they had been somewhere during the previous two months that had not accepted or had discouraged the use of cash – and 56% said this was an inconvenience to them. The research was commissioned by cash access and ATM network Link. It found that contactless via cards was the most preferred payment method among people surveyed, with 40% choosing this option. But nearly two-thirds (65%) of people said that physical coins and banknotes gave them confidence that 'nothing would go wrong', such as a payment outage. Cash remains particularly popular among people aged 55 and over, with 25% preferring cash compared with 8% of 25 to 34-year-olds, the survey indicated. Supermarkets and convenience stores are the most popular places where people have spent cash, the research indicated. Nearly seven in 10 (69%) people surveyed said they had used cash to pay for something in the previous two weeks. Three-quarters (75%) of people surveyed said they could easily make their day-to-day payments by phone or card. But 85% said they worry that a cashless society could exclude vulnerable groups, and 71% see cash as vital for personal freedom. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of people said they are unlikely to go completely cashless in the next 12 months. One in 12 (8%) said they lead 'cashless' lives. Graham Mott, Link director of strategy said: 'Cash remains a critical part of the UK's payment landscape. This research shows that, while digital payments are growing, cash continues to play a vital role in financial inclusion, budgeting and consumer choice.' YouGov carried out the survey among more than 2,200 people across the UK in June. Earlier this month, it emerged that the Bank of England will monitor cash acceptance on an ongoing basis, following a Treasury Committee report which raised concerns about the future of coins and banknotes. In its response to the report, the Government said the Bank had committed to continuing to include an additional question on cash acceptance in its survey of consumers, after it was introduced in January. The committee has highlighted how UK businesses and organisations can choose to refuse cash with no legal duty to accommodate customers' varying needs. Its report, published earlier this year, warned that a lack of action to tackle declining cash acceptance could lead to a two-tier society with the most vulnerable bearing the cost. MPs called for improved monitoring. The committee highlighted that vulnerable groups, such as people with learning disabilities, domestic abuse victims and the elderly, could be particularly affected. Sign in to access your portfolio
