Heat — Anne Arundel, Maryland

1997-08-16 to 1997-08-17 · Anne Arundel, Maryland

Wider weather episode

West winds circulating around a "Bermuda" high pressure system allowed temperatures to soar during the weekend of the 16th and 17th. Maximum temperatures were near or just above the century mark across most of northern and central Maryland east of the Allegheny Highlands both days. Heat index values ranged from 105 to 110 each day, but aside from several heat exhaustion cases, it appeared that at-risk residents remained in air conditioned locations. No heat-related deaths were reported by the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. However, one person perished from heat-induced cardiac arrest while attending a baseball game in downtown Baltimore during the middle of the afternoon on the 17th.A record maximum was achieved at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) on the 16th (101 degrees), and the maximum temperature of 100 degrees on the 17th equalled an existing record. The heat wave was shattered by a strong cold front which was accompanied by strong to severe thunderstorms during the late afternoon and evening of the 17th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5615609. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.