Phoenix heat death toll already rivals 2023 record with weeks of summer remaining

The extreme heat gripping the Phoenix area is killing people at a faster rate than last summer, according to Maricopa County health data released Tuesday.

As of Aug. 22, the county has confirmed 113 heat-related deaths in 2026, more than triple the 35 confirmed at the same point in 2025. Another 584 deaths are under investigation by the Medical Examiner’s Office, putting the total number of cases already in the system at 697.

A record 645 people died from heat in 2023.

When all investigations wrapped up for 2025, the county’s final count reached 430 deaths for the full year.

Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, warned that the danger is not over.

“We are all tired of the heat, but it’s not done with us yet,” Staab said in a statement. “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.”

Temperatures in the Phoenix metro have regularly climbed past 115 degrees in recent weeks. Nighttime lows near 90 degrees mean the air barely cools down, giving the body little chance to recover.

“We started our heat season very early, and we’ve been experiencing a lot of high overnight lows, and that is a significant risk factor to individuals who are unsheltered,” Staab told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

While health officials said anyone can be at risk, older adults, people experiencing homelessness and individuals who use drugs, especially methamphetamines, face the highest risk. Nearly half of all heat deaths in 2025 were among people experiencing homelessness, and more than half involved drug or alcohol use. Sixty percent of those who died were 50 or older.

Residents can find cooling center locations online and other help by calling 211.

KTAR News 92.3 FM reporter Serena O’Sullivan and Kellen Shover contributed to this report.

Related

Phoenix breaks 15-year-old heat record as extreme heat warning extends through SaturdayPhoenix forecast calls for continued high temperatures without additional monsoon activityDust storm hits Valley with remnants of storm from southeastPhoenix breaks 15-year-old daily heat record as extreme heat warning extendedNo relief: Extreme heat warning for Phoenix area extended through Aug. 28Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe damaged by monsoon storm activity