Arizona’s extreme heat is becoming a silent killer, claiming nearly as many lives in Maricopa County in the summer as the number of traffic accidents that occur in an entire year.
The Maricopa County Department of Health found that 645 people died in the county from heatwaves in the summer of 2023. The National Weather Service found that June 2024 was the hottest June on record in Phoenix, with records going back to 1895.
The average daytime high was 109.4 degrees, with an average daily temperature of 97. Maricopa County can expect another year of high heat-related deaths in 2024.
Who is most at risk during Phoenix’s extreme heat?
Although medical treatments and resources are becoming increasingly available, the best treatment for heat stroke is prevention.
Over the past month, we have been studying the different surface temperatures in the city of Phoenix. We have found different temperatures on different surfaces that we all need to be aware of when walking outside.
|
Sidewalk in direct sunlight |
135 – 140 degrees |
|
Sidewalk in the shade |
105 – 110 degrees |
|
Grass in direct sunlight |
125 – 145 degrees |
|
Road asphalt |
140 – 150 degrees |
These are the average surface temperatures measured with an infrared thermometer.
Surface temperatures are higher than outside temperatures because the road surface absorbs radiation and heat.
Emergency doctor: Phoenix heat kills. Here’s how to stop it
It is possible to take precautions to minimize risk by minimizing exposure to the hottest areas. Those most at risk are people who use methamphetamines and fentanyl, but other drugs and medications can increase risk.
The elderly, young, people with chronic conditions, people without air conditioning, and people who work outdoors are at greatest risk and should be aware of the temperature differences between different outdoor environments.
How to Minimize Heat Stroke and Illness
There are many methods to minimize heat illness. Drinking fluids throughout the day and minimizing time outdoors are important ways to prevent overheating.
Other possible aids include umbrellas to protect yourself from direct sunlight, cooling towels that can lower body temperature, and staying in the shade as much as possible.
As our city and county continue to add cooling centers and provide advanced emergency medical services and urgent medical care to heat victims, we must also be aware of the risks of various outdoor environments and take steps to keep ourselves and others in our community safe.
To combat this extreme heat, we must unite as a city and look out for each other so we can make meaningful progress and save lives.
By prioritizing education, prevention, and accessible resources, we can protect everyone in our community.
Bryan Yavari is a recent graduate of Barrett, Arizona State University’s Honors College in neuroscience. He is the research coordinator for the Infectious Disease Prevention and Public Response Translational Team at Arizona State University. Dr. David Sklar is an emergency physician at Valleywise Health and a professor at Arizona State University. He can be reached at byavari@asu.edu and dsklarabq@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Heat Can Be Deadly. Know Your Risk and Take Precautions
