Heat Mortality in Maricopa County: 2024’s Alarming Trends Unveiled

In 2023, Maricopa County recorded over 600 heat-related deaths, marking the highest number on record. Experts warn that 2024 could see an even greater increase in fatalities.

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — The region witnessed a staggering surge in heat-induced fatalities last year, with over 600 residents succumbing to extreme temperatures. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health predicts these numbers could spike further in 2024.

The county meticulously tracks heat-related deaths, updating the public weekly through a specialized dashboard. This portal provides a comprehensive overview, including confirmed heat deaths, distinctions between heat-caused and heat-contributed deaths, ongoing investigations, and demographic breakdowns of the deceased.

Understanding the terminology used by the county is crucial for interpreting this data:

• Total confirmed heat deaths: Includes both heat-caused and heat-contributed deaths based on official death certificates.
• Heat-caused deaths: Listed when heat exposure is a direct cause of death.
• Heat-contributed deaths: Listed when heat exposure is a contributing factor.
• Under investigation: Suspected heat-related deaths pending further examination.

Recent statistics highlight the gravity of the situation. As of August 7, 2023, Maricopa County confirmed 66 heat-related deaths, with 447 cases still under investigation. This is a significant increase from the same time last year, which reported only 25 confirmed deaths and 359 under investigation.

Demographically, men represent 67% of these fatalities. Additionally, 37% of the deceased were unhoused individuals.

The first heat-related fatality of 2024 was reported earlier than in previous years, on April 18. This prompted the county to introduce a new heat-related death dashboard, which replaces the former weekly heat surveillance reports. Updated every Tuesday, this interactive tool offers residents real-time data on ongoing cases and historical trends.

Adapting to the escalating temperatures, community organizations are also stepping up. Circle the City, a medical charity, has been providing hydration to Phoenix’s homeless population. Perla Puebla, a family nurse practitioner, described last summer as “brutal,” noting many patients suffered heat exhaustion but refused emergency care due to their reluctance to leave pets or belongings behind.

On the first day of offering IV hydration, Circle the City served 20% of the 14 patients seen.

Maricopa County, housing over 4.4 million people, is the fourth largest county in the United States by population. It encompasses 63% of Arizona’s population and spans 9,224 square miles, making it larger than several U.S. states. The county also boasts one of the largest park systems in the nation, covering an estimated 120,000 acres.

Phoenix, the county seat and also the state capital, is the fifth most populous city in the United States. Maricopa County derives its name from the Maricopa (Piipaash) Native American Tribe.