Phoenix just concluded its warm season, with a record-breaking heatwave in October. Temperatures in the city surpassed 110 degrees Fahrenheit four times in the month, setting an annual record of 70 days with temperatures reaching or exceeding 110 F. This heatwave, which extended into October, marked the latest occurrence of such high temperatures in Phoenix. Despite cooling off, meteorologists warn that more records could still be broken, with a forecast of 100 degrees for the following week.
The Arizona State Climate Office reported numerous new high temperature records across the state, with Phoenix setting 19 new records and tying 2, Tucson setting 18 new records, and Flagstaff setting 10 new records. While temperatures in Phoenix are expected to drop to 79 F on Friday, the risk of heat-related deaths remains significant. Maricopa County public health officials have confirmed 389 heat-related deaths so far this year, with an additional 292 deaths under investigation. Last year, the county recorded 645 heat-related deaths.
In neighboring states, the impact of heat-related deaths is also being felt. Pima County, home to Tucson, has reported 131 heat-related deaths this year, while Clark County in Nevada has identified heat as a factor in at least 402 deaths as of mid-October. New Mexico’s published number of heat-related deaths is behind by three months, but emergency rooms in the state have reported 957 cases of heat-related illnesses. The University of New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Investigator has seen a significant increase in presumed migrant deaths near the U.S.-Mexico border, with many of them attributed to heat-related causes.
The urgency of addressing heat-related illnesses and deaths in the Southwest region is underscored by the staggering numbers reported this year. As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels, communities are grappling with the effects of extreme heat on public health. Efforts to mitigate the impact of heatwaves and prevent further fatalities are crucial in ensuring the well-being of residents, particularly vulnerable populations. Public health officials continue to monitor and respond to the risks associated with rising temperatures, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect communities from the dangers of extreme heat.
