PHOENIX — The latest 2023 Weekly Heat Report is out and it shows how much of an impact the extreme heat has contributed to deaths in Maricopa County.
The county's most recent report reveals 133 heat-associated deaths have been confirmed this year. Another 341 deaths are now under investigation as of Aug. 19.
Out of those confirmed deaths, 72 were categorized as "heat-caused" and 61 were considered "heat-related."
Jason Berry with Maricopa County said it usually takes an average of six weeks to complete each investigation. He also said the Medical Examiner's Office's goal is to close 90% of its cases within 90 days. The first heat-related death of 2023 was reported back on April 11.
During the 2022 heat season, Maricopa County reported having 82 confirmed heat-related deaths.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: 133 personas han muerto debido al calor en el valle en el 2023; se investigan otras 341 muertes
Here are a couple other stats from the report:
- 34% of the heat-associated deaths in Maricopa County were in the 50-64 age group
- There have been 32 indoor heat-associated deaths in 2023
If you're looking for ways to beat the heat in the Phoenix area, a map of cooling centers in the Valley can be found here.
The full weekly heat report can be found on the Maricopa County website.
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