Today, we’re tackling a sobering and critical issue: the impact of this summer’s record-breaking heat wave. In Maricopa County, Arizona, officials are investigating over 300 deaths suspected to be linked to heat-related illnesses. This dramatic increase highlights the deadly consequences of extreme heat.
Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix and is the fourth most populated county in the U.S. with 4.4 million residents, has reported 322 suspected heat-related deaths as of July 13. This is a significant rise compared to last year. During just one week, from July 7 to 13, almost 100 suspected heat deaths were recorded when temperatures soared to 118 degrees.
Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director of Maricopa County Public Health, noted, “We know that June was hotter than June last year. We know that the risk for heat-related death increases with those higher temperatures.”
So far, there have been 23 confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County this year. Seventeen were directly caused by heat, while six were heat-contributed. Across the U.S., there have been at least 73 heat-related deaths this year, a stark increase from the 12 confirmed at this time last year.
Maricopa County’s data reveals that 70% of the deceased are male, with over half of the deaths involving drugs and 39% of victims being unhoused. Alcohol was a factor in or contributed to 13% of the deaths. These statistics paint a grim picture of how vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by extreme heat.
The Southwest is still experiencing intense heat, with Phoenix expecting temperatures to reach 116 degrees on Friday, prompting an excessive heat warning until Saturday night. The National Weather Service has advised residents to take actions to mitigate the impact of the extreme heat.
Maricopa residents are encouraged to call 211 to find their nearest cooling centers and request free transportation. Phoenix firefighters have introduced the use of ice immersion bags to rapidly cool down patients suffering from heatstroke, demonstrating innovative approaches to handling the crisis.
The city of Mesa, east of Phoenix, has reported the highest number of heat-related deaths in the county. Last year, Maricopa County saw 579 confirmed and 56 suspected heat-related deaths, up from 386 in 2022. A quarter of these deaths occurred indoors, with non-functioning air conditioning units contributing to two-thirds of those fatalities.
To better track and address heat-related illnesses and deaths, Maricopa County launched a heat report dashboard in May. This tool helps provide real-time data and insights into the ongoing impact of extreme temperatures on the community.
