The Maryland Department of Health reported three cold weather-related deaths so far in the 2024-2025 winter season, officials said Tuesday.

The first death was on Nov. 23. The second and third deaths were both reported on Dec. 2.

The three who have been reported dead from cold-related illness so far have all been male. Two of the deaths were reported in Baltimore and one was in Baltimore County, and two of the deceased were in their 60s, while one was in his 30s.

MDH did not immediately clarify the specific ages, dates or locations of each of the three deaths.

The low temperature on Nov. 23 was 39 degrees in the Baltimore area, and 24 degrees on Dec. 2, according to data from the National Weather Service.

To prevent avoid illness, including frostbite, officials urge avoiding exposure to cold weather and wearing several layers of lightweight, insulated clothing while spending time outdoors.

The health department provides a list of phone numbers for Marylanders to find local warming centers, depending on where they’re located.

Hypothermia kills between 700 and 1,500 people annually in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Small children, and especially babies, are vulnerable to hypothermia and tend to lose heat more quickly than older children and adults. Some medications interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and drinking alcohol speeds up heat loss through the skin, according to MDH.

Maryland had 72 reported cold weather deaths in 2023-2024 winter season and 51 reported deaths in the 2022-2023 season, according to data from the health department.

The state saw 1,712 visits to emergency rooms or urgent cares for cold-related illness in the 2023-2024 season, and has seen 212 so far this season, according to the latest available health department data.

Treating hypothermia and frostbite

If you suspect a person is experiencing hypothermia, you should move them to warm shelter as soon as possible and remove any wet clothing they’re wearing, according to MDH.

You should warm the center of the body first — but not by immersing the person in warm water, as rapid warming can cause heart issues, MDH said.

You should not rub, jostle or massage a person suffering from hypothermia — and be especially careful treating someone who may be experiencing frostbite.

MDH says you should seek medical attention immediately for hypothermia and for frostbite.

An already deadly year

Over the summer, Maryland saw 25 reported heat-related deaths. It was the most in a single year for the state since 2018 — and a sharp increase over 2023 and 2022 numbers.

Many of the autopsies connected to the heat-related deaths, 13 of them, mentioned heart disease. Three mentioned alcohol intoxication.

It’s not possible to predict how many cold weather-related deaths Maryland will see as the winter season continues. However, Maryland could expect warmer-than-average temperatures as experts predict a weak La Niña developing by January.