Can You Spot the Symptoms of Climate Change? 👀🌍

Maryland Department of the Environment sent this bulletin at 08/03/2026 10:00 AM EDT

Edition #35 | August 2026

PHOTO OF THE MONTH: Governor Wes Moore and European Union representatives welcomed Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė back to the United States during a recent visit to Annapolis, reaffirming the strong partnership between Maryland and the European Union.

This summer has served as a powerful reminder that climate change is not a distant or abstract concept. It is something we can see and measure–and we’re seeing its effects here in Maryland.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, record-breaking heat swept across much of the country. Baltimore recorded its hottest Independence Day on record with temperatures reaching 102°F, surpassing previous highs dating back to the 19th century. Excessive heat warnings were in effect across the state, with the heat index climbing to 110–115°F. Many parades and fireworks displays were canceled due to the heat. Wildfires continue to rage in Canada and elsewhere, even affecting our local air quality.

Our field teams are responding to the effects across the state. In the Potomac River, unusually warm water temperatures and prolonged drought contributed to a significant fish kill. Elsewhere, extreme heat affected communities and infrastructure, including roadway buckling along Interstate 97. These events are not isolated. They are consistent with broader trends that scientists have documented for decades. Across Maryland, climate change is increasingly affecting our weather, our waterways, our infrastructure, and the health of our communities.

Meeting these challenges requires sustained action to invest in community resilience, reduce pollution, strengthen water infrastructure, and build stronger partnerships across state and local government. Above all, it requires all of you—our scientists, engineers, inspectors, emergency responders, and support staff—whose expertise, commitment, and service are helping Maryland prepare for and adapt to a changing climate.

The lesson from this summer is clear: climate change is happening now, and it is serious. But we have the tools to address it—and each of us has a role to play in solving it.

So, as we take time to enjoy the remainder of summer, I hope you continue to take pride in the important role you play in protecting public health, safeguarding our environment, and building a more resilient Maryland. Our state is not simply responding to today’s challenges—we are creating a stronger, healthier future for generations to come.

WILDFIRE SMOKE IMPACTS MARYLAND WITH CODE PURPLE AIR QUALITY

Thickening wildfire smoke pushed Maryland's air quality into Code Purple and Red alerts, forcing officials to urge residents indoors. The unhealthy air persisted until a Saturday weather system gradually cleared the smoke while bringing strong afternoon storms, but some conditions persisted on and off for a few weeks. MORE

WATER QUALITY MONITORING CONTINUES AS POTOMAC RIVER RECOVERS

Water quality testing continues as part of its response to the January collapse of the Potomac Interceptor. The additional sampling, which includes multiple locations and bacteria in the water column as well as sediment, builds on existing monitoring to provide more information about the river's recovery as work continues. MORE

$3.5 MILLION APPROVED FOR CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

The Board of Public Works approved funding for critical water infrastructure improvements in Caroline and Cecil counties. These investments will strengthen wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water systems while making communities more resilient to flooding. MORE

VIDEO OF THE MONTH: Lead Safety 101 - Lead poisoning is a serious but preventable health risk. This videos share the basics of lead safety
>>> WATCH VIDEO

POST OF THE MONTH: Inside MDE: Meet Lee Currey. Celebrating 25 years of service at MDE, Lee Currey - Director of the Water and Science Administration, shares the inspiring reason he chose a career in the public sector.
>>> WATCH REEL