Over 300 Possible Heat-Related Deaths Under Investigation In Arizona County

Officials in Maricopa County, Arizona, are investigating over 300 deaths possibly linked to the record-setting heat wave that has blanketed much of the country throughout July.

As temperatures approached 120 degrees in and around Phoenix, health officials said they are investigating 322 heat-related deaths through the week ending on July 13. So far this year, there have been 23 confirmed heat-related deaths in Maricopa County, nearly double the number at the same time last year.

According to the data, nearly 40% of those who died were homeless.

“We know that June was hotter than June last year,” Maricopa County Public Health’s Assistant Medical Director Nick Staab told KPNX . “We know that the risk for heat-related death increases with those higher temperatures."

According to NBC News , there have been 73 heat-related deaths across the country in 2024.

The temperatures will continue to hover around 110 degrees for the foreseeable future , though temperatures aren't expected to reach record levels.