Maryland health officials said Thursday a Calvert County man was the victim of the state’s first heat-related death of 2026.

The man, who was 70 to 80 years old, died this month. State health officials did not share details, but his death follows a mix of high temperatures and wet weather.

“Our condolences go out to the individual’s family and loved ones,” Dr. Meena Seshamani, Maryland’s health secretary, said in a news release. “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.”

State officials offered suggestions for dealing with extreme heat: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, overly sweet drinks, salt tablets that aren’t medically suggested and direct sunlight. They suggest people drink a lot of water; wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen; and stay in the shade when you can.

Advertise with us

Last week, temperatures reached the upper 90s across Maryland. The state also saw two days of record-breaking heat last month.

In 2025, there were 36 heat-related deaths in Maryland, topping 30 for the first time in over a decade. They included a 2-year-old girl who died after being left inside a parked car in the Wheaton-Glenmont area.

Information about area cooling centers can be found on local government websites: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.