Arizona has experienced a significant climate event as it recorded its 17th warmest and 41st wettest winter on record since 1895, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix. This unusual warmth and wetter than average conditions were common across the country during the meteorological winter of Dec 2023-Feb 2024. In response to the searing temperatures and the warmest year on record, Arizona’s Department of Health Services has appointed Dr. Eugene Livar as its Chief Heat Officer. The state, particularly Maricopa County, which is the most populous county in Arizona, has seen a dramatic increase in heat-related deaths. Public health officials confirmed 645 heat-associated deaths in metro Phoenix in 2023, marking a significant rise of 52% from the previous year and setting a new annual record. This alarming increase in heat-related fatalities underscores the growing impact of extreme weather conditions on public health.
Heat played role in 645 deaths in Arizona’s largest county last year https://t.co/ChBJgxRluM https://t.co/ChBJgxRluM
At least 645 people in Maricopa County — home of Phoenix and many of its suburbs — died from heat-related causes last year, according to a preliminary report. The deaths represented a 52% increase over the previous year. https://t.co/ikH0j8LJ5y
Public health officials in Arizona’s most populous county on Wednesday reported they confirmed a staggering 645 heat-associated deaths last year - more than 50% higher than 2022 and another consecutive annual record in arid metro Phoenix. https://t.co/s6z8eJB6tI
Maricopa County confirms 645 heat-associated deaths in metro Phoenix in 2023 https://t.co/xQ4Lofb0Fd
New report confirms 645 heat-related deaths in Phoenix area in 2023 https://t.co/oZPDQHHADy https://t.co/Th0XvLn5De
Arizona's most populous county has confirmed 645 heat-associated deaths in metro Phoenix last year. https://t.co/iV6urRnqh6
Arizona's most populous county has confirmed 645 heat-associated deaths in metro Phoenix last year https://t.co/KodqXDWCOX
The number of heat-related deaths in metro Phoenix soared by more than 50% in 2023, setting a new annual record. https://t.co/KcAHiJYMop
In reaction to the searing temperatures and the warmest year on record, Arizona’s Department of Health Services named Dr. Eugene Livar its Chief Heat Officer. https://t.co/4UvwihHq7w
Climate stats have been compiled for meteorological winter (Dec 2023-Feb 2024). Arizona experienced its 17th warmest & 41st wettest winter on record (since 1895). Unusual warmth w/ wetter than average conditions was common across the country this winter. #azwx https://t.co/CukI1FLbpL