Health officials report record-breaking 50 heat-related deaths this summer

By: Danielle J. Brown

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: August 7, 2026

Words: 460

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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The 2026 heat season is now the deadliest in known history, as new data from the Maryland Department of Health reports a total of 50 heat-related fatalities since May, surpassing the previous record set of 46 in 2012.

The number of heat-related deaths soared in July, with 43 deaths reported just last month, according to a Wednesday update to the state’s weather-related illness dashboard. Fatalities could continue to climb with weeks remaining in the …

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