Maricopa County, encompassing Phoenix, Arizona, continues to grapple with a relentless heatwave, pushing temperatures past 110°F for an unprecedented 20 consecutive days. Public health officials have confirmed an additional six heat-associated fatalities, raising the total to 18 so far this year. It's important to note that these deaths didn't all occur within the past week; some may have happened earlier but required thorough investigation before being officially linked to the extreme heat.

While this figure is lower than the 29 deaths recorded by this time last year (with an additional 193 under investigation at that point), officials caution against premature conclusions. David Hondula, Phoenix's Director of Heat Response and Mitigation, acknowledges the seemingly lower death toll but emphasizes that the heat season is still ongoing. In 2022, Maricopa County experienced a total of 425 heat-related deaths.

A digital billboard captures the intense heat in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Most of this year's heat-related deaths have occurred outdoors, with only four reported indoors. Three of the indoor fatalities involved malfunctioning air conditioners, while the fourth involved a cooling system that wasn't activated. Learning from past tragedies linked to power outages during extreme heat, Arizona utilities have implemented regulations preventing disconnections during periods of excessive heat warnings, such as the one currently in effect.

The Arizona Corporation Commission, the state's utility regulatory body, provides further protection by allowing utility companies to suspend disconnections either between June 1st and October 15th or on days with predicted temperatures exceeding 95°F or falling below 32°F. Among the suspected heat-related deaths this year is a 73-year-old man who suffered a flat tire while cycling in the desert near Buckeye, a Phoenix suburb. He informed his family of his intention to walk to a nearby fire station for assistance but tragically perished before reaching it. The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner is currently investigating the incident.

Extreme heat poses significant risks, especially for older adults, who are more susceptible to chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, heart disease, and hypertension.