Well being officers in Arizona’s Maricopa County reported almost 500 heat-related deaths this summer season, making 2023 the area’s deadliest yr on report relating to excessive temperatures.
in it Latest weekly temperature reportThe Maricopa County Division of Public Well being stated there have been 469 confirmed heat-related deaths up to now this yr, with a further 153 deaths nonetheless beneath investigation.
This quantity exceeds the earlier report set final yr of 425 heat-related deaths within the province.
Throughout the USA, excessive warmth causes extra deaths annually than another climate occasion, together with floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. According to the National Weather Service. This risk is predicted to worsen within the coming years, as research have proven that local weather change is growing the frequency, depth, and persistence of maximum warmth occasions.
This summer season, Arizona and different components of the Southwest endured weeks of maximum temperatures that reached triple digits.
In Phoenix, situated in Maricopa County, residents endured 31 consecutive days of 110 levels Fahrenheit or greater in July, a feat that broke town’s earlier warmth report of 18 consecutive days above 110 levels in 1974.
Additionally in July, Maricopa County noticed a spike in heat-related deaths as every day excessive temperatures approached 120. In only one week, from July 16 to July 22, there have been about 150 heat-related deaths within the county, in accordance with the report.
Greater than 60% of confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County have been amongst adults over 50 years of age. Folks ages 50 to 64 had been most affected by excessive warmth, accounting for 29 per cent of heat-related deaths within the province.
Well being officers stated people experiencing homelessness accounted for 44% of heat-related deaths, whereas 45% of deaths had been amongst residence residents. In 11% of deaths, the individual’s dwelling scenario was not recognized, in accordance with the report.
White and non-Hispanic people accounted for 58% of heat-related deaths within the county, with Hispanic or Latino people accounting for 23% of deaths and Black or African American people accounting for 13% of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County.
Well being officers stated 122 deaths occurred indoors, of which 92 had been detected because of malfunctioning air conditioners and 11 had been brought on by no air-con in any respect.
Even in non-fatal circumstances, warmth stays a serious public well being risk in Arizona. In line with the report, hospital visits in Maricopa County spiked all through July and early August, as temperatures soared above 100 levels.
