Maryland reported eight heat-related deaths during a dangerous heat wave in late June, according to the state's Department of Health (MDH).

MDH's report from the week of June 22 to June 28 shows there were 472 emergency department and urgent care visits due to high temperatures.

The 18 to 44 age group had the most emergency room visits, followed by the 65+ age group.

Six of the individuals who died due to heat illness were 65 or older.

Region three, which includes Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties, saw the highest number of visits, with 197 reported.

June heat wave in Maryland

Baltimore was among multiple Maryland jurisdictions that declared extreme heat alerts and opened cooling centers during the heat wave in late June.

The WJZ First Alert Weather team issued four consecutive Alert Days, from June 22 through June 25, due to the dangerous temperatures. Meanwhile, Gov. Wes Moore activated Maryland's State of Preparedness protocol.  

While June temperatures for the Baltimore region are typically in the upper 80s, we saw temperatures approach 100 degrees before cooler weather returned.  

On June 22, the second day of the Baltimore AFRAM festival in Druid Hill Park, the heat index reached 100 degrees.

Staying safe in extreme heat

Heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States, but there are multiple ways to stay cool.

Loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing is recommended to help beat the heat, . 

Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and overly sweetened drinks is also suggested.

You should also avoid direct sunlight and stay in the shade when possible.

Heat exhaustion and heat illness typically present with symptoms like dizziness, muscle cramps, thirst, profuse sweating, nausea, and fatigue, according to the .

If you experience these signs, you should move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, and sip cool water.

If symptoms persist, seek medical help, as heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.