6 cold-related deaths reported as frigid temperatures arrived in Maryland
The Maryland Health Department's count of cold-related deaths rose to six during the first week of December, as freezing temperatures arrived across the state, the latest report shows.
One death was reported in Baltimore County and another in Prince George's County.
Health officials reported Maryland's first cold-related death of the season during the week of Nov. 9, and three more were reported during the week of Nov. 23.
During the 2024 winter season, Maryland reported its first cold-related death on Nov. 24, 2024, and two more were reported during the first week of December 2024, reports show.
During the 2024 season, a total of 75 cold-related deaths were reported, up 7% from 70 in the 2023 winter season.
Temperatures plummet in Maryland
During the first week of December, temperatures in Maryland averaged around 33 degrees, according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS), with the lowest being 28 degrees on Dec. 5.
Maryland also saw its first widespread snowfall of the winter season on Dec. 5, bringing light accumulation across the Baltimore region and parts of central and southern Maryland.
The state continued to see frigid weather during the week of Dec. 7, according to NWS data, with temperatures averaging around 29 degrees.
Marylanders are urged to wear appropriate clothing and take shelter during freezing weather to avoid cold-related illnesses. Find a list of warming shelters in the Baltimore area here.