Two of the three heat-related deaths that Maryland is now reporting occurred in Baltimore City. Nine people have died from heat-related causes this summer, the same number as in 2023, according to state data.
For the first time since 1930, there were four days in a row with temperatures above 100 degrees, from Sunday to Wednesday.
In Maryland, four counties in Prince George’s County, one in Anne Arundel County, one in Kent County, and three in Baltimore saw heat-related deaths.
In all, five of the deaths were older than 65, while four of those deaths occurred in the age range of 45 to 64.
#BREAKING: Maryland reports 3 more heat-related deaths bringing the total this season to 9. Two of the newly-reported deaths happened in Baltimore City, 1 in Kent County. 1 person was 65+. The other two were aged 45-64. @wjz pic.twitter.com/Nj0tPHC1Bv
— Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) July 17, 2024
According to official statistics, Maryland saw 21 heat-related fatalities in 2019, 21 in 2020, 16 in 2021, five in 2022, and nine in 2023.
Read Also: Storm Surge: Philadelphia and NYC Grapple with Intense Wednesday Weather
Dr. Clifford Mitchell, with the Maryland Department of Health, says when it comes to the sweltering sun, everyone needs to stay hydrated and stay cool.
“You can have a weak heart rate, you can have confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, those are all signs of potentially life-threatening heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” Mitchell stated.
