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Silhouette of a man drinking water during heat wave
City Reminds Residents to “Beat the Heat”
Annapolis, MD. – According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the heat index is predicted to hit approximately 97°F on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. This coincides with a Code Orange Air Quality Index (AQI) alert issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The City will activate its cooling centers for the first time this season to provide relief from extreme heat conditions and help prevent heat-related illnesses.
City Cooling Centers
Primary Location:
Roger "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center (273 Hilltop Ln): Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
*Patrons using this service will not have access to recreational activities.
Additional Community-Based Locations:
American Legion Post 141 (1707 Forest Dr): Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Annapolis Michael E. Busch Library (1410 West St): Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Annapolis Senior Activity Center (119 S. Villa Ave): Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
NOTE: Pets and animals are not permitted in cooling centers, with the exception of trained service animals.
Additional cooling centers may be open during the summer season based on availability. For more information, call the City’s Office of Emergency Management at 410-216-9167.
Availability of Pumpout Boat From the Harbormaster
Once the heat index reaches 100°F, the pumpout boat will no longer be available to the public due to the hazardous working conditions. Instead, visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/boating/pages/pumpout/annapolis.aspx for a list of alternative locations.
Reminders on How to Stay Safe During Periods of Extremely Hot Weather
“When summer temperatures spike, Annapolis shows its true strength in taking care of its own,” said Mayor Jared Littmann. “Our cooling centers are open and ready, but the most important tool we have is each other. Please check in on your neighbors, share a bottle of water, and help guide anyone who needs to be at a cooling site. Let’s make sure no one in Annapolis has to brave this heat alone.”
Office of Emergency Management Director Kevin J. Simmons reminds residents, especially groups most at risk, to take extra precautions when spending time in the heat this summer and know the potential dangers. “Heat-related deaths are preventable. Educating our residents on heat-related risks and providing a safe space to seek relief from the heat is a top priority.”
Groups most at risk can include: Children and Older adults · Pregnant individuals · People experiencing homelessness · Those with chronic illnesses · Outdoor workers · Emergency responders · Those without adequate cooling · Athletes.
Know the Warning Signs
Heat-related illnesses happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. Always call 911 in the event of a heat-related emergency.
- Heat cramps: Muscle contractions that are connected to heat and dehydration. Rest and hydrate.
- Heat exhaustion: Signs include paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. Move to a cool area and hydrate immediately.
- Heatstroke: The most severe form of heat illness. Skin is warm and flushed with no sweating. This is a medical emergency–call 911 immediately.
Beat the Heat: Quick Tips
Stay Cool
- Limit outdoor activities to morning and evening hours, when it is cooler. Take frequent breaks in shady areas.
- Pace yourself when working or exercising. If you are not used to working in the heat, start with shorter periods and increase your time over several days.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. Cars heat up fast and can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes. Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting heatstroke or dying.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty yet.
- Replace salt and minerals with sports drinks. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks–these can make dehydration worse. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks.
Stay Informed
Monitor local news resources for heat watches and warnings in Annapolis and follow the directions of local officials. Additional information may be found at www.annapolis.gov/OEM.
- Alert Annapolis – Receive emergency texts, calls, and emails from the City of Annapolis. Sign up at https://alertannapolis.civicready.com/ or text “ANNAPOLIS” to 38276.
- Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile App – Free app from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides real-time alerts and information. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, on both the App Store and Google Play.
- National Weather Service Heat Risk forecast – A color-coded forecast that shows how dangerous the heat will be in your area and who is most at risk. Check the Heat Risk Map before heading outside on hot days.
