Maryland Department of Health has reported the first heat-related death of 2026 in Maryland. According to the department, the deceased was a man in the 70-80 age range, and the death occurred in Calvert County.
Maryland Secretary of Health Meena Seshamani offered condolences to the individual’s family and reminded residents to take precautions during periods of extreme heat. State health officials are encouraging Marylanders to stay hydrated, avoid excessive heat exposure, wear lightweight clothing, and check on vulnerable individuals including older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.
The department also warned residents never to leave children or pets in vehicles, noting temperatures inside a car can exceed 100 degrees within 30 minutes even on a 70-degree day. The Maryland Department of Health monitors heat-related illnesses and deaths from May through September and updates its Weather-Related Illness Data Dashboard weekly. During the 2025 heat season, Maryland recorded 36 heat-related deaths.
