With high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s expected this afternoon, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from noon through 8pm.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Central Maryland. Air pollution concentrations are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and people with breathing difficulties.

Baltimore City has declared a Code Red Heat Alert. Eleven emergency cooling centers will be open from 9am to 7pm.

The heat has prompted Baltimore City Schools to operate on a half-day schedule and cancel half-day afternoon pre-kindergarten. And Baltimore County schools are closing three hours early today.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the entire listening area. Air pollution concentrations are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and people with heart diseases or breathing difficulties.

Baltimore has declared a Code Red Heat Alert; the city's emergency cooling centers are open from 9am to 7pm.

The Baltimore City Public School System has cancelled summer school programs because of the heat.

President Obama will address the nation tonight at 8:00 PM regarding troop levels in Afghanistan.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the listening area. Air pollution concentrations are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and people with heart diseases or breathing difficulties.

 Baltimore has declared a Code Red Heat Alert through Sunday; the city's emergency cooling centers are open from 9am to 7pm.

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning from 10am through 8pm for Saturday, July 23.

Baltimore City has declared a Code Red Heat Alert for Saturday and Sunday; locations of the city's emergency cooling centers can be found here.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert. Air pollution concentrations are considered unhealthy for the general population.

High temperatures today could reach the low 100s; heat index values may hit 110. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 11am through 9pm.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the WYPR listening area. Air pollution concentrations are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and people with heart diseases or breathing difficulties.

TWO HOURS OF SPECIAL COVERAGE OF THE ECONOMY. Between 1pm and 3pm, tune in to WYPR to hear President Obama speak about the economic situation, and as financial experts talk to NPR about the debt, the nation's credit rating and long-term outlook.

On this August 18th, The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the WYPR listening area. Air pollution concentrations are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and people with heart diseases or breathing difficulties.

As the region returns to normal following yesterday's historic earthquake, there are some schedule changes today. 

All three MARC lines will operating today, but some trains may be late on all lines... and major delays are expected on the Brunswick Line.  But, light rail service has been restored to Hunt Valley.

DC offices of the Federal Government are open - with unscheduled leave and unscheduled telework available... but some government buildings in DC and MD are closed.

Prince George's County Schools are closed, and operating on a code green. Cecil County Schools will not open today as planned - they're scheduled to open tomorrow. Staff at some Frederick County Schools are being asked to report to alternate buildings while inspections continue.

Maryland is under a State of Emergency as Hurricane Irene approaches. A separate State of Emergency has been issued for Baltimore as well, and in many other Maryland cities and counties. Heavy rains will evelop Saturday and continue through Sunday; the storm's likely to be at its most powerful tonight, when Baltimore could have wind gusts up to 60mph, and Ocean City could have gusts up to 80mph.

A Hurricane WARNING is in effect for the following counties: Dorchester, Caroline, St Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester. A Tropical Storm WARNING is in effect for much of the rest of the WYPR listening area, as are Flood Watches and Flash Flood Watches. 

Evacuations have been ordered in some jurisdictions and recommended in others; information about the evacuation orders and available shelters (and other Irene-related news) can be found here.

Hurricane Irene has rolled out of Maryland, but some of its winds and rains are set to linger throughout Sunday. Many parts of the listening area remain under weather advisories. 

More than three quarters of a million Marylanders lost power at some point during the storm. BGE continues to report significant power outages (you can report one by calling 877-778-2222). Pepco and Delmarva Power also have significant outages.

Additional information about the cleanup can be found here.

Post-Irene power outages have kept several school systems closed today (Tuesday).

Schools in Baltimore City and Baltimore County are closed, as are schools in Anne Arundel and Harford Counties.

The following school systems are open - but with some buildings closed, due to power outages: Caroline County Schools, Howard County Schools, and Prince George's County schools.

MARC trains are back to normal, but downed trees are causing some delays on local MTA buses. There are also service disruptions on the light rail.

Hundreds of thousands of BGE customers remain without power; call 1-877-778-2222 to alert BGE to an outage.

Many Pepco customers are also in the dark, you can tell Pepco by calling 1-877-737-2662.

Schools around the region are open today - but some buildings remain closed, due to lack of power:

Twenty school buildings are closed today in Baltimore City.

In Baltimore County, 17 elementary and 3 middle schools are closed.

In Anne Arundel County, 15 schools are closed.

In Harford County, 11 schools are closed.

In Howard County, 1 school building remains closed.

And 1 school building is closed in Prince George's County.

More than 100-thousand BGE customers remain without power; call 1-877-778-2222 to alert BGE to an outage.

Some Pepco customers are also in the dark, you can tell Pepco by calling 1-877-737-2662.

Tens of thousands of BGE customers remain without power, leaving several school buildings closed again today.

In Baltimore City: Guilford Elementary/Middle School is closed.

In Anne Arundel County: Marley Glen Special School is closed.

In Baltimore County: 4 middle schools are closed (Dumbarton, Lansdowne, Parkville, and Ridgely), and 10 elementary schools are closed (Chadwick, Fifth District, Fort Garrison, Maiden Choice, Oakleigh, Pinewood, Riderwood, Stoneleigh, Timonium, and Winand).

Also, Grand Prix-related road closures are prompting six Baltimore City schools to open one hour late today (Digital Harbor High, Federal Hill Preparatory, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle, George Washington Elementary, Sharp-Leadenhall Elementary, and Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle).

In Baltimore City: Lockerman Bundy Elementary is closed to students today due to a lack of power. Staff members are expected to report to Mary Ann Winterling.

There's a Flood Warning in effect for the Susquehanna River below the Conowingo Dam in Cecil and Harford counties. The river was 9 feet above flood stage early Friday morning. It's expected to keep rising through early Saturday afternoon.

Mandatory evacuations have been issued for Port Deposit and Havre De Grace.

Harford County has closed the following five schools: Aberdeen High, Havre de Grace Elementary, Havre de Grace Middle, Havre de Grace High, and Meadowvale Elementary. UPDATE: Baltimore City has closed Barclay Elementary/Middle school because of a power outage.

There's also a Flood Warning for the Monacacy River in Frederick County. That river was 2 feet above flood stage earlier this morning.

BGE has a map of power outages here. Report an outage to BGE by calling 877-778-2222. 

The rain is causing delays and cancellations for local buses, MARC trains, and the light rail; the MTA has more here.

The Maryland Department of Transportation has information about road conditions here. Road closings in Baltimore County can be found here.

*WYPR is upgrading our stream.  During this process, there will be occasional interruptions in the stream feed.  Our apologies.*

Baltimore City holds its primary election today. The polls will be open through 8pm.

Use this online tool from the UMD Maryland Elections Center to find your polling place.

The Maryland Board of Elections has answers to frequently asked questions about voting here.

Additional information is available here from the Baltimore City Board of Elections.

Baltimore City holds its primary election tomorrow; the polls open at 7am and close at 8pm.

Use this online tool from the UMD Maryland Elections Center to find your polling place.

The Maryland Board of Elections has answers to frequently asked questions about voting here.

Additional information is available here from the Baltimore City Board of Elections.

*WYPR is upgrading our streams.  During this process, there will be occasional interruptions in the stream feed.  Our apologies.*

Snow appears to be in store for much of the WYPR listening area today.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Baltimore City and Baltimore County, as well as Cecil, Harford, Howard, and Montgomery Counties. 1 to 2 inches of snow are possible in those areas before 8 tonight.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for points west of the Advisory areas. Carroll and Frederick Counties could get 4 to 6 inches of snow; Washington County and points farther west could get 5 to 9 inches.

Officials warn that snow could make travel treacherous. The State Highway Administration has information on road conditions here.

It's election day in Baltimore (and in Aberdeen, Bel Air, Bowie, and many other cities); polls are open until 8pm.

Sample ballots for Baltimore are available here; information about the city's polling places is here.

More information about polling places in other Maryland jurisdictions is available here.

There's a Dense Fog Advisory in effect for the WYPR listening area, and it's prompted some school delays:

On a 1 hour delay: Worcester County schools

On a 90 minute delay: Queen Anne's County schools

On a 2 hour delay: Caroline County schools and Kent County schools

The WYPR listening area is set to get a lot of rain today... then snow is in the forecast tonight.

Flood Advisories and Flood Watches are in effect this afternoon.

And tonight, Winter Weather Advisories kick in; central Maryland is expected to get 1-2 inches of snow accumulation, with 3-5 inches possible in the western portions of the listening area.

A Freezing Rain Advisory is in effect this morning; light freezing drizzle and fog could lead to ice on the roads. Be prepared for slippery roads: drive slowly and cautiously this morning.

The advisory has prompted DC Offices of the Federal Government to open at 11am.

Your Public Radio turns 10 years old today! WYPR President and General Manager Tony Brandon has this reflection on some of the achievements of the last decade.

Yesterday's winter weather has led to one school delay:

Carroll County Schools are opening two hours late today.

Today is Primary Election Day in Maryland; the polls are open from 7am to 8pm.

The Maryland Elections Center offers help in finding your polling place.

The State Board of Elections has answers to frequently asked questions about voting.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for much of Central Maryland from noon through 9pm.

Officials urge you to stay in air conditioned places if possible, stay out direct sun if you do go outside, and check in on relatives and neighbors. You should also be sure to drink plenty of fluids today.

The Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act. Stay tuned to WYPR for analysis of the ruling...

BGE reports more than 150k power outages following Friday's storms; call 1-877-778-2222 to alert BGE to an outage.

Many Pepco customers are also in the dark, you can tell Pepco by calling 1-877-737-2662.

A liberal leave policy is in effect today for nonessential state employees.

Federal agencies in the DC area are open, but workers have the option for unscheduled leave or telework.

Maryland transportation officials are urging folks to stay off the roads while cleanup efforts continue. Public transporation services are experiencing some delays; there's more about them online here.

89% of those who lost power during Friday's storms have had it restored. But utilities warn that all the lights won't be on until the weekend - at best.

As restoration efforts continue -- and with mid-90s highs in the Independence Day forecast and a Heat Advisory in effect for much of the listening area today -- Baltimore City has again declared a Code Red Heat Alert. The city's cooling centers are mapped out here. The locations of cooling centers in other Maryland jurisdictions can be found here.

About 97% of those who lost power during the derecho a week ago now have it back. Restoration efforts are likely to continue through the weekend.

Another scorcher's in store for the listening area, with highs around 100 degrees and heat index values up to 105. Similarly high temperatures are in store tomorrow. The National Weather Service has issued Heat Advisories for today, and Excessive Heat Warnings for tomorrow. Baltimore City has extended its Code Red Heat Alert through Sunday. Emergency cooling centers will again be open today; information about their locations is available here.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for parts of the listening area today, with highs in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values up to 105.

It's ARTSCAPE weekend in Baltimore. Be prepared for street closures and delays.

Heat Advisories remain effect today for the northern parts of the listening area.

Baltimore City has declared a Code Red Heat Alert and opens its emergency cooling centers.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency offers these tips on beating the heat.

Dense fog this morning is prompting some schools to open late.

90 minute delays are in effect for Kent County schools and Queen Anne's County schools.

A 2 hour delay is in effect for Cecil County schools.

Early Voting in Maryland takes place Saturday, October 26 through Thursday, November 1.

The state's early voting centers are open from 10am to 8pm, except Sunday -- when they're open 12pm to 6pm.

High Wind Warnings, Flood Warnings, and Coastal Flood Warnings have been issued for parts of Maryland by the National Weather Service as Hurricane Sandy continues its track toward the East Coast.  You can follow the storm path here.  Central Maryland will likely see the worst of the storm between Monday afternoon and Tuesday night.  The Maryland Emergency Management Agency has resources to help you prepare for the storm.

Governor Martin O'Malley has declared a State of Emergency for all Maryland counties in advance of the storm's landfall. Mandatory evacuations have been issued for parts of Ocean City and Worcester County. Voluntary evacutations have been called for many other low-lying areas, including parts of Annapolis. Many emergency shelters around the state have opened their doors. 

All Maryland public schools in the WYPR listening area are closed on Monday. Most (if not all) other educational institutions are closed as well. State offices are closed - but emergency essential personnel are asked to report. DC offices of the Federal Government are closed. The Maryland Transit Administration has suspended all public transportation services for Monday EXCEPT The Mobility/Paratransit service, which is operating on Monday. Early voting has been cancelled for Monday (the early voting period may be extended, but that hasn't been determined yet). Most flights out of BWI have been cancelled. BGE is preparing for widespread power outages, and has brought in more than 3000 workers from out of state to help; power outages are listed here, and you can report an outage to BGE by calling 877-778-2222.

Cleanup after the storm that was Hurricane Sandy has led to schedule changes at many Maryland schools:

Closed: Baltimore City Schools, Harford County Schools, and Worcester County Schools. 

2-Hour Delay: Anne Arundel County Schools*, Caroline County Schools, Frederick County Schools*, Washington County Schools, and Wicomico County Schools.

90-Minute Delay: Queen Anne's County Schools.

* While the Anne Arundel County School system is open (albeit on a 2-hour delay), 17 schools remain closed. Two Frederick County schools are closed, while the rest of the Frederick County school system opens 2 hours late.

The Baltimore County School system is opening on time, but 18 of its schools are also closed. Howard County Schools are open, but Bollman Bridge Elementary is closed. Prince George's County Schools are also opening on time, but Excel Academy Public Charter School is closed. 

More than 100-thousand Marylanders are still without power Wednesday morning.

BGE lists its outages here. You can report an outage to BGE by calling 877-778-2222.

The National Weather Service has cancelled its Winter Weather Advisory.

Rain and snow remain likely through midnight, but accumulations will be light with less than an inch possible.

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 9am, and several schools are opening late because of it.

On a 2-hour delay: Caroline County schools 

On a 90-minute delay: Kent County schools, Queen Anne's County schools, and Talbot County schools

The southern portions of the WYPR listenening area are under a Winter Weather Advisory.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect through 9am for much of the listening area.

Many schools are opening late because of this morning's snowfall...

On a 2-hour delay: Anne Arundel County schools, Baltimore City schools (as reported by the Baltimore Sun), Baltimore County schools, Carroll County schools, Frederick County schools, Howard County schools, Kent County schools, Montgomery County schools, Prince George's County schools, Washington County schools

Closed: Caroline County schools, Queen Anne's County schools, Wicomico County schools, Worcester County schools

(Keeping the snow off the satellite dish to keep WYPR on your radio!)

Parts of the listening area are under a Winter Weather Advisory through 10am.

A 2-Hour Delay is in effect for schools in Washington County

Schools in Queen Anne's County and Kent County are now CLOSED.

Carroll County schools are now CLOSED as well... Carroll County students who've already been transported to school will be returned home.

Much of the listening area is under a Winter Weather Advisory through 10am.

Snow, sleet, rain and freezing rain are in the forecast, with rain and freezing rain possible for the a.m. commute.

Baltimore County's Hereford Zone schools are opening 2 hours late.

A 2-Hour Delay is also in effect for schools in Harford County and Howard County.

Dense fog on the Eastern Shore is prompting late starts for some students.

On 90-Minute Delays: Caroline County schools, Queen Anne's County schools

On 2-Hour Delays: Talbot County schools, Worcester County schools

Expectations of a storm to bring the heaviest snow in at least two years for the region have been dialed back as the National Weather Service has canceled its winter storm warning. High winds and wet roads remain a concern.  You can view the full report from The National Weather Service

Carroll County could see up to 8 inches, and areas west could see even more.

MARC's Brunswick Line service has been suspended today; Camden Line service is on an "s" schedule; the MTA is preparing for the possibility of additional service delays.

BGE is still preparing for the possibility of power outages; you can alert them of one by calling 877-778-2222; an outage map is here.

Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through this evening for parts of Central Maryland.

Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for Washington County and areas farther west.

Updates on road conditions are here from the Maryland Transportation Authority. 

Information on delays on MTA services here from the Maryland Transit Administration.

WYPR will continue live coverage from NPR until 4:00pm on the unfolding events in Boston.

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 10am for much of the listening area. Some schools are opening late:

On a 90-minute delay: Caroline County schools and Talbot County schools 

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch through this evening.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency has tips for dealing with severe weather.