Extreme heat is becoming an increasingly dangerous threat in Arizona, with last year seeing over 900 heat-related deaths statewide. In response, the state has appointed Dr. Eugene Livar as the first heat officer to work on preventing such fatalities this summer. Livar, who is a physician with the Arizona State Department of Health Services, is collaborating with local governments and nonprofit organizations to open more cooling centers and ensure that homes have functioning air conditioners. The goal is to better prepare and respond to extreme heat, which has been exacerbated by climate change in recent years.
In an effort to address the rising risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths, Arizona officials are working together to improve coordination and response strategies. Livar’s appointment as the state’s first heat officer reflects the acknowledgement of the public health risks posed by extreme heat, particularly in a warming world. This increased coordination comes as federal agencies also seek better ways to protect individuals from dangerous heat waves, which are arriving earlier, lasting longer, and intensifying in severity. The development of a new online heat-risk system combines meteorological and medical factors with a simplified and color-coded forecast to help individuals better prepare for heat waves.
Last summer, Phoenix experienced its hottest three months on record, with record-breaking temperatures in July and August. The daily average temperature of 97 degrees Fahrenheit in June, July, and August surpassed previous records, highlighting the intensity of the heat wave. As the new hot season begins in Maricopa County, Arizona, efforts are being made to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and implement measures to protect vulnerable populations. Arizona Heat Awareness Week, proclaimed by Governor Katie Hobbs, aims to draw attention to the risks of the summer season in the arid Southwest state and enhance protective measures. The state has introduced an Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan and is implementing new cooling centers and assistance programs for those in need.
Among the new measures being introduced in Arizona to combat extreme heat are mobile cooling centers made with solar power that can be moved to areas of need. The City of Phoenix is opening two 24-hour cooling centers, while Maricopa County is expanding the hours of cooling and respite centers, as well as providing assistance for paying utilities and repairing or replacing air conditioners for those with limited resources. These initiatives aim to reduce the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations and prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths. By working together with local governments and organizations, Arizona is taking steps to better prepare for and respond to the increasing threats posed by extreme heat in the state.
