A Dallas County resident in their 50s died from heat-related causes, marking the county’s first confirmed heat death of the 2026 season, health officials announced Friday.
The resident had pre-existing medical conditions, according to Dallas County Health and Human Services. Officials did not disclose the person’s name, gender, city of residence, date of death or circumstances surrounding the heat exposure, citing privacy concerns.
The announcement came as most of North Texas remained under an extreme heat warning. The National Weather Service forecast highs ranging from the upper 90s to about 108 degrees across the region Friday and warned that dangerous heat would continue into the weekend.
“The confirmation of a heat-related death underscores the serious health risks associated with extreme temperatures,” said Dr. Philip Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services. “Texas heat can become dangerous quickly.”
Huang urged residents to check on relatives, friends and neighbors, particularly older adults, children and people with chronic health conditions.
Health officials recommend drinking water regularly, avoiding alcohol and limiting outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, generally from 3 to 7 p.m. People who must be outside should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Officials also warned never to leave a person or pet inside a parked vehicle.
The warning comes after a 5-year-old girl died Tuesday after Garland police said she was inadvertently left inside a vehicle. Her death remains under investigation, and authorities have not announced an official cause. She is not the resident described in Friday’s announcement.
Dallas County residents without working air conditioning may qualify for an emergency window unit by calling 214-819-1909.
With extreme heat expected to linger through the weekend, officials stressed that simple precautions can prevent further tragedies.