Maricopa County Sees Rise in Heat-Related Deaths; Prevention Urged

As record-breaking temperatures persist, Maricopa County is witnessing a concerning rise in heat-related fatalities. With an unusually early onset of the heat season and persistently warm nights, health authorities are urging both locals and visitors to adopt crucial safety measures to mitigate heat-related risks.

To date, as of August 22, 2026, there have been 113 confirmed heat-related deaths, with an additional 584 cases still under investigation.

Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer at the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), emphasized the ongoing threat, stating, “We are all tired of the heat, but it’s not done with us yet. As long as high temperatures continue, with or without heat advisories, we all have to stick to taking preventive measures to keep heat deaths from continuing.”

Strategies for Staying Safe

County health officials recommend a straightforward mantra to combat the heat: Know your risk. Protect yourself. Protect others. This advice can help ensure safety during extreme temperatures.

Know your risk.

• Heat illness or death can affect anyone, regardless of their age, health, or duration of residence in Arizona.
• Higher-risk groups include older adults, those with pre-existing health conditions, individuals living in mobile homes, the homeless, and those using drugs like methamphetamines.
• Heat dangers persist throughout the season, even on days without official heat warnings.

Protect yourself.

• Hydrate frequently, wear light clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat.
• When outside, seek frequent shade or air-conditioned spaces for breaks.
• Utilize air conditioning indoors, especially when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Fans alone are insufficient above 95 degrees.
• Adhere to local heat safety advisories, such as avoiding closed trails during extreme conditions.
• Locate a nearby cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or visiting MAG’s online map.

Protect others.

• Regularly check on neighbors and loved ones, particularly the elderly or those living solo, to ensure their cooling systems function effectively.
• Avoid leaving children, pets, or dependent individuals unattended in parked vehicles.
• Support the Heat Relief Network by volunteering or donating essential supplies like bottled water and sunscreen. Find donation sites at https://azmag.gov/heatrelief.

Dr. Staab reiterated the preventability of these fatalities, saying, “Every single heat death is preventable. It’s easy to get tired of the summer and get caught up in all the other things we have to do each day, but these simple steps can be the difference between life and death. It’s up to all of us to prevent heat-related deaths.”

For those seeking a place to cool off, Heat Relief Network locations can be found by visiting Maricopa.gov/heat or calling 2-1-1.