Hundreds of deaths in Phoenix suspected to be heat-related under investigation

PHOENIX – Officials in Maricopa County, Arizona’s capital, have confirmed 23 heat-related deaths this year through July 13.

In total, there are 17 heat deaths in which heat exposure was the direct cause of death and 6 heat-related deaths in which heat exposure played a role.

70% of heat-related deaths were male and 30% female. More than half of the deaths were in people aged 50 or older.

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Since Thursday, more than 300 deaths are under investigation to determine whether they were caused by or related to the heat, so the number of confirmed heat-related deaths is likely to rise.

This comes after Phoenix recorded a record number of heat-related deaths in 2023, when 645 people died from the heat, according to the Maricopa County Health Department. The number increased by more than 50% compared to 2022, which recorded 425 heat-related deaths.

Most deaths in 2023 occurred in July, the hottest month on record in Phoenix.

PHOENIX SETS NEW RECORD FOR HEAT-RELATED DEATHS AFTER Scorching SUMMER

Arizonans have already experienced several heat waves this summer, and another is on the way. Heat advisories have been issued for the Phoenix area for Friday and Saturday. Meteorologists warn that temperatures of up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit are possible.