There have been 12 confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County so far this year, according to the Maricopa County Public Health Department.
according to the weekly report Of the 12 deaths, nine were directly caused by the heat and three contributed to heat-related illnesses and symptoms, the ministry said on Tuesday. About 55 more deaths are also believed to be heat-related but are still being investigated by the Maricopa County Coroner’s Office.
This year’s numbers are less than last year’s. By July 11, 2022, 17 people had been confirmed dead and 126 were under investigation.
The first heat-related death this year was on April 11, almost a month later than the first recorded death in 2022 on March 13.
About half of the confirmed heat deaths this year were among homeless people, according to the report’s data. About one-third were over the age of 75.
The report also showed that temperatures around the county approached 110 degrees Celsius in early July, increasing hospital visits due to heatstroke.
last year:No shelter, no shelter in the heat: ‘The urgency now is greater than ever’
The heat wave never ends
Experts say the current heatwave is one of the longest and most intense the state has ever experienced.
Phoenix hasn’t had a day without triple-digit highs since June 13, and the heat shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
The Phoenix area set a new record for the most days under an excessive heat warning that began on July 1 and runs through July 17. The current number of days on alert is almost double Phoenix’s previous record of 8 days.
The National Weather Service has warned that conditions could get worse with highs expected to hit 110 degrees Celsius over the next week. The weather bureau announces that the computer model that predicts the weather 16 days ahead “ can not see the end of this heat wave ” wrote in the discussion. “This should go on record as one of the longest, if not the longest, heat wave.”
Meteorologists warned that the heat could reach “very dangerous” levels and advised residents planning outdoor activities to stay hydrated and seek shade.
Phoenix could break or even tie more records by the end of the week, including consecutive days with temperatures above 110 degrees Celsius and expected high temperatures this weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures could get even hotter over the next week, with extreme to extreme heat hazards expected for much of Arizona.
Maricopa County has cooling and hydration stations that are open to the public throughout the hot season. A map to locate cooling stations can be found at https://hrn.azmag.gov/#/map.
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hot weather tips
Here are some other tips for preventing heat stroke from the Arizona Department of Health:
- Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if you are indoors all day. People who spend time outdoors should drink 1-2 liters per hour they are outdoors.
- clothes for the heat: Wear light, light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin and it is recommended that you wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Authorities advise avoiding high-protein foods that increase metabolic fever.
- Monitor people at risk. Check your friends, family, and others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous exercise: Strenuous exercise is recommended only during the coolest hours of the day, between 4am and 7am.
- Please stay indoors.
- Take breaks when doing physical activity. Take a break in a cool place during outdoor activities on hot days.
