For Immediate Release: Friday, July 25, 2025
As temperatures rise across Montgomery County, the Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is helping riders stay safe and hydrated. Due to the heat advisory for this weekend, MCDOT has placed complimentary water bottles on Ride On buses for the comfort of their riders, while supplies last. The decision to add water on the buses was a proactive measure to ensure the well-being of passengers. MCDOT Ride On is committed to keeping you moving and refreshed. Be on the lookout for the water placed at the front of the buses. Please take one water bottle per person so we can serve as many riders as possible.
The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has issued a Heat Emergency Alert from Friday, July 25, through 8 a.m. Monday, July 28, due to the National Weather Service forecast for extremely dangerous temperatures and heat index values. Residents should prepare for heat index values (the “feels like” temperature) to reach 105 degrees during the afternoon hours.
A Heat Emergency Alert is declared when the temperature or heat index is forecast to be 105 degrees or higher for two days or more. While nighttime temperatures will be lower, they still pose a health threat with extended exposure.
Extreme heat affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can create dangerous conditions if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Heat may affect air quality, especially in urban areas, and may have a stronger impact on the elderly, children and individuals who have underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses may include painful muscle spasms or cramps, pale or flushed skin that may be damp or cool, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness in the early stages. In extreme cases, red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness can occur, in which case residents should seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
Free bottled water will be available on the buses for Montgomery County Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash bus riders. Information on bus schedules is available on MCDOT’s website and on the Ride On Trip Planner app .
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For the most up-to-date bus service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on X , Bluesky , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube . In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com , by subscribing to receive email alerts or by texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 62463 to receive text alerts. Message and Data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help or contact [email protected] , reply STOP to cancel. Visit Montgomery County’s Wireless Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for more information.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot , follow @MCDOTNow on X , Bluesky , Instagram , Facebook and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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Release ID: 25-120
Media Contact: Emily DeTItta 240-372-2282
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=47414