Potomac River hits 94 degrees, triggering fish kill near Little Falls

Maryland officials recorded a water temperature of 94 degrees in the Potomac River north of Little Falls on July 4.

The Maryland Department of the Environment said this reading marked the highest temperature recorded there since measurements began in 1988. Most of the dead fish were golden redhorse suckers.

Officials stated that extreme water temperatures created stressful conditions for the fish and reduced available dissolved oxygen. The department reported no evidence of chemical spills or pollution in the affected area.

New Jersey health officials told FOX Weather that at least 29 deaths across several counties have been preliminarily linked to the extreme temperatures.