2026 Maryland Heat Awareness Week

Extreme heat is one of the leading weather-related health threats in the United States – and Maryland communities are at risk.

That’s why Healthy Climate Maryland, the Maryland Public Health Association, and Green & Healthy Homes Initiative have partnered to launch Maryland’s first Heat Awareness Week to help Marylanders prepare for and stay safe during extreme heat events.

Extreme heat is one of the leading weather-related public health threats in the United States, and Maryland communities are increasingly at risk. Maryland Extreme Heat Awareness Week is a statewide campaign designed to increase awareness about heat-related illness, promote heat safety and preparedness, and connect communities with tools and resources to stay safe during periods of extreme heat.

May 18-22, 2026 is projected to be HOT. We want to make sure communities across the state are prepared for one of the first heat waves of the summer.

We are excited to share that the Governor of Maryland has officially signed a Proclamation establishing May 18-22 as Maryland Extreme Heat Awareness Week — making it official! This marks an important step in recognizing extreme heat as a growing public health issue and advancing statewide awareness and resilience efforts.

Throughout the week, partners will share:

  • Educational graphics and one-pagers

  • Heat safety tips and preparedness resources

  • Information on vulnerable populations and outdoor worker protections

  • Maryland-specific resources and community solutions

  • Opportunities to engage in climate and public health action

Download our daily flyers here and social media toolkit here to spread the word about how to prepare for and protect yourself from extreme heat!

Day 1: What is Heat-Related Illness?

Heat-related illness is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, killing more people than hurricanes, wildfires, or floods. Maryland is warming faster than the rest of the country. Average annual temperatures have increased by 3.3ºF since 1970, higher than the national average, and this warming trend is expected to increase in the future. Emergency room and urgent care visits for heat-related illness increased by 33.4% in Maryland from 2024 to 2025 and heat-related deaths increased significantly. Maryland is projected to experience above-average temperatures this summer, so it is important to be prepared early. Recognize the signs of heat-related illness and learn more here.

Day 3: Vulnerable Populations and Outdoor Workers

Not all people are affected equally by the heat. Children, people over 65, pregnant people, people on certain medications or with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, unhoused people, outdoor workers, and athletes are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. 

Maryland has one of the most protective heat stress standards in the country for both indoor and outdoor workers. Employers are required to put plans in place when employees are exposed to a heat index at or above 80º F or more than 15 minutes per hour. In a state with a large agriculture sector and long coastline, this standard applies to many working Marylanders. However, workers exposed to extreme heat on the job may not know about the standard or feel empowered to advocate for themselves to their bosses. The Maryland Department of Labor provides a sample heat illness prevention plan template and guidance documents for employers. Workers can also share this flyer with colleagues to ensure everyone understands the risks and how to protect themselves.

To learn more, check out our flyer about vulnerable populations and fact sheet about keeping kids and teens safe in hot weather.

Additional Resources on Extreme Heat 

Statewide Heat Safety Resources

General Heat Safety Resources

Resources from Partners

Resources by County

Get Involved

Thank you to our partners for their participation and support!

Day 2: Heat Safety

Because extreme heat is not a single event like a hurricane or a flood, and since it gets hotter gradually over the summer, it can be hard to recognize when heat exposure becomes dangerous. By understanding how serious the effects of extreme heat can be and preparing early, you can keep yourself and your family, friends, and neighbors safe.

Extreme heat is defined as temperatures above 90ºF for at least two days, but lower temperatures can still affect people, especially children, pregnant people, the elderly, and people exposed to heat all day, like outdoor workers and unhoused people.

Check out Maryland Department of Health’s extreme heat resource page for more tips and learn more about heat safety here. 

Day 5: Looking Forward

Extreme heat days are expected to increase in the future. In Baltimore alone, the average temperature is expected to increase by almost 4ºF by the end of the 2030s. While Maryland has some great policies in place to protect residents from the effects of extreme heat, there is more we can do to ensure all Marylanders are safe from extreme heat in the future. Learn more about potential policies to support here.

Day 4: Stay Safe in the Sun

With a coastal economy valued at $10.2 billion and 3,190 miles of coastline in the state, there are a lot of opportunities for Marylanders to get outside during the summer. However, ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage your skin and make you more susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illness. Check out some ways to stay safe in the sun here while you are enjoying Maryland’s beaches, parks, and the Chesapeake Bay this summer.