Thirty-four people died from heat-related causes in Maryland during the late April to early October “heat season” this year, the second-highest number of heat-related deaths since records became publicly available in 2012.

Since deaths hit 46 in 2012 — when a July storm disrupted the power and air conditioning to many Maryland homes for days as a heat wave hit — the number had never been above 30, and has been as low as five in a year.

Of the 34 people who suffered heat-related deaths this summer, 24, or about 71%, were 65 or older, according to state data . Six people who died from heat-related causes were between ages 45-64, two were 18-44 and two were under age 18.

“Older adults often have chronic medical conditions, such as cardiovascular or respiratory, that can increase their s

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