Public health officials in Maricopa County, Arizona, reported a staggering 645 heat-associated deaths in 2023, marking a significant increase of over 50% compared to the previous year. This alarming figure sets a consecutive annual record for the arid metro Phoenix area.
The preliminary report by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health highlighted the need for better protection of vulnerable groups, such as homeless individuals and older adults, from the scorching summer heat. Two-thirds of the heat-related deaths in 2023 were individuals aged 50 or older, with 71% occurring on days when the National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings.
