Trump Makes High-Stakes Return to Las Vegas This Week

The blistering heat gripping the Southwest continues to take a severe toll on public health. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Isaac Smith, Phoenix is bracing for more 100-degree days with an excessive heat watch issued for the coming days.

In remarks on the health implications of such relentless heat, meteorologist Gabriel Lojero highlighted the dangers of insufficient overnight cooling. It hampers the body’s ability to recuperate, exacerbating health risks. Downtown Phoenix faces the added burden of the urban heat island effect, where materials like concrete and asphalt retain heat, preventing nighttime cooling.

While regions like Las Vegas have seen a respite due to monsoon rainstorms, bringing temperatures down to 81 degrees, the outlook for New Mexico suggests the return of high temperatures. Forecasts predict Albuquerque nearing triple digits, particularly in areas near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The repercussions of the relentless heat wave are evident in the rising number of heat-related fatalities. Public health officials in Maricopa County reported 96 confirmed heat-related deaths as of August 10, with another 462 cases currently under investigation. The county, home to approximately 4.5 million residents, recorded 645 heat-related deaths in 2023 alone.

In Pima County, which includes Tucson, the Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed 99 heat-related deaths by early August. Additionally, districts with forensic services contracted from Pima County have reported fatalities as well. Meanwhile, Clark County, Nevada, encompassing Las Vegas, has confirmed 123 heat-related deaths this year, according to the Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner.

New Mexico’s health officials also share alarming statistics. Since April 1, over 760 visits to emergency health facilities due to heat-related illnesses have been recorded, with 29 instances occurring in just the past week. Data indicates 11 heat-related deaths in May, specifically in Doña Ana County, signaling that these numbers may understate the true extent of heat-related fatalities across the state.