News Summary
Arizona is grappling with an extreme heat crisis, with over 400 suspected heat-related deaths reported in Maricopa County this summer. The ongoing heatwave has pushed temperatures above 110°F for 12 consecutive days, leading to concerns about public safety, particularly among vulnerable populations. While this year’s official heat-related death count is lower than the previous summer, the high temperatures and the increasing count of suspected deaths raise alarms about the efficacy of current measures and the challenges in addressing heat-related fatalities. With wildfires also threatening the region, the state is exploring solutions to combat heat and protect its residents.
Arizona is experiencing an extreme heat crisis this summer, marked by over 400 suspected heat-related deaths reported in Maricopa County alone. The current heatwave, which has persisted for 12 days, has resulted in daily temperatures reaching at least 110°F (43°C). August 2023 is on track to become the hottest month on record, featuring an all-time high of 118°F (48°C) in the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an extreme heat warning, which is the fourth and longest of the summer, lasting through at least Wednesday night. Although a brief respite from the oppressive heat is anticipated towards the weekend due to increased cloud cover and possible thunderstorms, another wave of high temperatures is expected next week.
Maricopa County, home to Phoenix—the fifth-largest city in the United States—also includes smaller urban areas such as Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa. Reports indicate that while the suspected heat-related death count in 2023 is approximately 30% lower than the same time last year, when Maricopa County experienced the second deadliest summer on record, the severity of this summer’s temperatures raises significant concern.
According to the county’s medical examiner’s office, only 35 heat deaths have been officially confirmed this summer, with 17 being directly attributed to heat exposure and 18 involving heat as a contributing factor. Notably, 369 suspected heat-related deaths are currently under investigation, suggesting that the overall death toll could rise further.
Interestingly, temperatures during June and July were lower than in previous years, typically exceeding 115°F but contributing to a decrease in heat-related fatalities. Improved access to city cooling centers, which have extended hours this summer, may be playing a role in these lower death toll figures. Additionally, advancements in treatment protocols for heatstroke and temperature-related emergencies implemented by first responders and hospitals have likely aided in reducing fatalities.
Despite these positive trends, Maricopa County continues to be a critical point for heat-related fatalities in the United States, second only to New York City. The trend of increasing heat-related deaths is alarming, rising from just 61 reported fatalities in 2014 to a staggering 645 in 2023. Such statistics have spurred advocacy for better accounting methods regarding heat-related deaths, as concerns persist about underreporting these cases. Allegations have also emerged implicating a tendency to dismiss heat as a contributing factor in certain fatalities, even amidst extreme weather conditions.
Approximately 40% of heat-related deaths occur among unhoused individuals, with factors such as substance misuse being linked to two-thirds of these cases. The continuous rise in heat-related deaths amidst a backdrop of increasing energy costs and ongoing wildfires is compounding the challenges faced by Arizona. Firefighters are currently managing at least five major wildfires across the state, which have collectively burned approximately 180,000 acres to date.
Efforts to counteract these environmental challenges are underway, with initiatives aimed at increasing tree canopies and implementing cooling technologies also being discussed as potential solutions. As the state navigates this summer of extreme heat, the focus remains on protecting vulnerable populations and addressing the myriad of issues surrounding heat in Arizona.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Guardian: Death Toll from Extreme Heat in Arizona County
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Arizona Capitol Times: Heat Deaths May Be Down
- Google Search: Arizona Heat Deaths
- AZ Family: Maricopa County Increase in Heat-Related Deaths
- Google Scholar: Heat Related Deaths Arizona
- ABC 15: Uncounted Heat-Related Deaths in Arizona
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Climate Change
- Governing: Phoenix Reduces Heat-Related Deaths
- Google News: Extreme Heat Arizona
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
