PHX Reporter

The number of people who died from possible heat-related injuries increased dramatically in the week ending July 22, when compared to the week before. 

The Maricopa County Morbidity Report for the week showed nearly 140 people died, possibly from the heat, compared to the roughly 30 who died the week before. This is the largest week-to-week increase in fatalities so far this year. 

There are currently 249 deaths under investigation to determine if they actually were caused by the heat. 

So far this heat season, 25 people were confirmed to have passed away due to heat or heat-related causes. This is an increase of seven deaths compared to the previous week. 

Of the 25 confirmed deaths, 56% were White, 20% were Hispanic or Latino, 12% were Black or African American, 8% were Asian or Pacific Islander, and 4% of deaths occurred in people identified as American Indian/Alaska Native.

The weekly report showed that people 75-years-old or older were the most vulnerable to the heat, accounting for 32% of deaths. Those between 50 and 64, as well as 65 and 74, each suffered 24% of fatalities so far. People between the age of 25 and 49 accounted for 16% of deaths. The smallest percentage of deaths by age range was those between the ages of five and 19, accounting for 6% of heat-related fatalities. 

Additionally, 64% of heat-related deaths happened to people who had shelter, whether it be their own place to live or somewhere they shared.  

So far, in 2023, there have been less heat-associated deaths compared to the year before. This year, there have been 25 confirmed deaths, with 249 currently under investigation, while at the same time, in 2022, there were 38 confirmed deaths, with 256 under investigation.

Last year, the first heat-associated death also happened in March, one month earlier than in 2023. 

Maricopa County reported a total of 425 heat-associated deaths in 2022, a 25% increase from 2021. More than half of those 2022 deaths occurred in the month of July.

Despite the difference in heat-related fatalities, weather in Maricopa County is hotter this year than last year. A sweltering heat wave has baked much of the area and the southern U.S. for more than 30 days.

Some respite is expected in the coming days, when rain is forecast. 

Phoenix, which is the seat of Maricopa County, is considered the hottest city in the U.S. Records at Current Results, Phoenix is the only large U.S. city to suffer more than 100 days of 100-degree heat.

The enhanced heat surveillance season usually begins in May and ends in October. Weekly Heat Surveillance reports are provided by Maricopa County during the enhanced heat surveillance season from the beginning of May to the end of October. 

Cooling and hydration stations in Maricopa County are open to the public throughout the heat season. For more information on heat, please visit http://heataz.org.