Current:Home > NewsConfirmed heat deaths in hot Arizona metro keep rising even as the weather grows milder-LoTradeCoin
Confirmed heat deaths in hot Arizona metro keep rising even as the weather grows milder
View Date:2024-12-23 20:44:48
PHOENIX (AP) — The number of confirmed heat deaths over the summer in America’s hottest metro has continued to rise even as the record-setting high temperatures that blasted Phoenix over the summer give way to relatively milder weather with autumn’s approach.
Public health officials in Maricopa County, Arizona’s most populous county and home to Phoenix, said this week that 202 heat-associated deaths had been confirmed for 2023 as of Sept. 9; far more than the 175 confirmed by the same time last year.
Another 356 deaths this year are being investigated for heat causes.
Forensic pathologists say that it can often take weeks, even months of investigation that can include toxicological tests to determine whether heat was a contributing factor in someone’s death. For example, at the end of 2022 the county had confirmed 378 heat-associated deaths, but that number later grew to 425 as investigations played out.
The confirmed heat deaths this year included 51 that occurred indoors, most of them because an air conditioner was not working or turned off. People without permanent homes accounted for 42% of the annual heat deaths confirmed so far.
Phoenix was continuing to hit heat records as recently as last weekend, as it marked the 55th day this year that the official reading at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport reached at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius).
Phoenix experienced the hottest three months since record-keeping began in 1895, including the hottest July and the second-hottest August. The daily average temperature of 97 F (36.1 C) in June, July and August passed the previous record of 96.7 F (35.9 C) set three years ago.
After several days this week with typical monsoon season weather that included some precipitation, Phoenix on Thursday expected relatively milder weather.
At least milder for those who live in and around Phoenix.
“A very nice mid September day is expected across the region with mostly sunny skies and high temperatures in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees,” the National Weather Service’s Phoenix office said on social media.
veryGood! (24)
Related
- Georgia remains part of College Football Playoff bracket projection despite loss
- Indianapolis officer fatally shoots man during exchange of gunfire with suspect in earlier shooting
- Rory McIlroy dealing with another distraction on eve of PGA Championship
- Bronny James focusing on NBA 'dream,' not playing with dad LeBron
- Engines on 1.4 million Honda vehicles might fail, so US regulators open an investigation
- Angela Bassett mourns loss of '9-1-1' crew member who died in crash: 'We're all rocked by it'
- Body of US airman fatally shot by Florida deputy returned to Georgia ahead of funeral
- Department of Justice says Boeing may be criminally liable in 737 Max crashes
- The Best Gifts for People Who Don’t Want Anything
- North Carolina revenue decline means alternate sources for voucher spending considered
Ranking
- She's a trans actress and 'a warrior.' Now, this 'Emilia Pérez' star could make history.
- 2 officers killed, inmate escapes in attack on prison van in France
- Jennifer Hudson reflects on two decades of success, new season of talk show
- Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco suspended 10 games for using foreign substance
- US overdose deaths are down, giving experts hope for an enduring decline
- Port of New Orleans’ chief resigning amid praise for moves to advance new cargo terminal project
- 2 officers killed, inmate escapes in attack on prison van in France
- EU agrees on a new migration pact. Mainstream parties hope it will deprive the far right of votes
Recommendation
-
QTM Community Introduce
-
How fatherhood inspired John Krasinski's latest movie, IF
-
Kirk Cousins' trip to visit Jon Gruden with teammates says plenty about QB's leadership
-
Cancer claims Iditarod champion Rick Mackey. His father and brother also won famed Alaska race
-
Denzel Washington teases retirement — and a role in 'Black Panther 3'
-
Why the speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker was embraced at Benedictine College’s commencement
-
The PGA Tour needs Rory McIlroy at his best, especially now
-
Inflation eases in April as prices fall for eggs, bacon and bread, CPI data shows