5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 22

Good Morning! What five things do you need to know to stay up-to-date about what’s going on in the community? Patch has you covered this Friday morning:

1. The National Weather Service issues a triple threat with an excessive heat warning, air quality alert, and a hazardous weather outlook overall. This is a mixture of hot temperatures and humidity that can induce heat illnesses so if can stay in the air conditioning and check on elderly family members. Throughout the day expect temperatures in the low 100s with a heat index near 117. The evening should be cooler in the low 80s with a slight chance of thunderstorms before midnight.

On Saturday, there is a slight chance of rain in the afternoon, but the day should be mostly hot with temperatures in the low 100s. The evening skies should be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the low 70s.

On Sunday, there may be a slight break from the hot and humid weather with temperatures in the low 90s, but there is a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. In the evening, the temperatures may drop to the low 70s but thunderstorms are still likely.

The excessive heat warning will be in affect Friday (from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.). 

2. There are numerous of events happening downtown from jazz to great new eats at the farmers market so check out: Get Out: Weekend Activities in Downtown for more details.

3. Today in history, Abraham Lincoln talked to his cabinet about the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862. According to the National Archives, the Emancipation Proclamation wasn't issued until the next year and it stated  "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."

4.The cheapest gas stations nearest you: Oceanic located at 101 University Blvd. W and US-29, for $3.74, Shell located at 100 University Blvd. W and Colesville Rd., for $3.72, and BP located at 112 W University Blvd. near Columbia Pike for $3.69 (These prices are courtesy of gasbuddy.com so prices may vary.)

5. Coming up in Patch, Borders is officially closing. We will have an update with the details.