The Maryland Department of Health today reported the first heat-related death of 2026 in Maryland. The deceased is an adult male in the 70-80 age range. The death occurred in Calvert County.
“Our condolences go out to the individual’s family and loved ones,” said Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani. “As we anticipate more hot days coming our way, we want to remind Marylanders of the steps they can take to guard against overheating, including visiting a local cooling center. Remember to check on those who are particularly vulnerable to heat, including older individuals and people with chronic diseases.”
Residents in need of a cooling center are encouraged to contact their local health department or call 2-1-1 and provide their county location and zip code to get information about locations, hours of operation and available accommodations.
The Maryland Department of Health encourages the following to help cope with extreme heat:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and overly-sweetened beverages
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing
- Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen; stay in the shade when possible
- Avoid salt tablets unless advised by a doctor to take them
- Schedule physical activity in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler, and take breaks if necessary
Warning signs that you could be suffering from a heat-related illness like heat exhaustion, heat stroke or heat cramps include: muscle pain or spasms; headache; vomiting; extreme weakness; nausea; disorientation; and rapid, shallow breathing. If you are experiencing a heat-related illness, contact a healthcare professional and seek emergency medical care when warranted.
Marylanders are advised to never leave children or pets in a car. Always check twice to ensure that a vehicle is empty. Even on a 70-degree day, the temperature inside the vehicle can climb to more than 100 degrees within 30 minutes.
Residents can find more information on the Office of Preparedness and Response Extreme Heat webpage, which covers heat-related illnesses and tips for staying safe and healthy during hot weather.
The Department monitors incidents of heat-related illness and death in Maryland from May through September. This information is updated every Wednesday on the Weather-Related Illness Data Dashboard. During the 2025 heat season, Maryland had 36 heat-related deaths.
