PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix is ​​experiencing its hottest summer on record, but so far there have been fewer heat-related deaths in Maricopa County than last year.

As of Aug. 31, there have been 177 confirmed heat-related deaths and 436 more are under investigation, according to the latest numbers from the Maricopa County Public Health Department. The county said 103 of the cases were due to heat and 74 were due to fever.

As of the same period in 2023, there were a total of 194 confirmed deaths and 493 under investigation. Last year, Maricopa County hit a record high of 645 heatstroke deaths in 2023. ABC15 investigators also found there is no standardized way to count deaths across the state.

While it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly why this year's numbers are lower than last year's at this point, Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, said it's a good sign. There is.

“We also know that this summer has been the hottest on record. So the fact that our numbers so far are lower than last year is a testament to the programs we've run, and the programs we've run with our partners this summer. I think it’s encouraging that the program has been helpful,” Staab said.

Many of these deaths this year have occurred in the city of Phoenix, where leaders have extended cooling center hours this year to later than normal business hours. There are also two facilities operating at night, and the city opened a cooling center earlier this year. Brian Lee, director of the city's Office of Emergency Management, said the cooling center opened in May of this year. Last year it was sometime in June.

Asked if this was enough, Lee said: “I don't know how much is enough.” “So we want to be able to offer as many options as possible.”

This summer, we're also adding more partnerships to help people experiencing homelessness. Newly updated data shows 47% of people who have died so far this year are homeless. A total of 76% of heat-related deaths occur outdoors, of which 24% occur indoors.

“A big part of our increased communications this summer was checking in with your neighbors to make sure your family and loved ones are safe. and making sure it's working,” Staab said.

That number won't be determined for quite some time as authorities continue to monitor heat-related deaths for the rest of the year. Lee said the cooling center will remain operational until at least September 30, as the heat wave begins to subside towards the end of this month. After that, Lee said the city will reevaluate the site based on the criteria it needs.