Highlights
- Maricopa County has confirmed 113 heat-related deaths in 2026, with 584 more under investigation as of Aug. 22.
- An Extreme Heat Warning and First Alert Days run through Saturday, with afternoon highs at 110°F or above.
- Morning lows in the low 90s and an air quality alert through Wednesday compound the risk for residents.
- MCDPH chief medical officer Dr. Nick Staab says every heat death is preventable; residents can call 2-1-1 to find a cooling center.
Maricopa County has confirmed 113 heat-related deaths so far in 2026, with another 584 under investigation as of Aug. 22, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health reported Tuesday. The figures come as an Extreme Heat Warning keeps afternoon highs locked at 110°F or higher through Saturday, with morning temperatures starting in the low 90s offering little overnight relief.
The death toll is already far outpacing last year's pace. 12News reported that the 2026 confirmed count has more than doubled compared to the same point in 2025, and KJZZ has tracked the trend since mid-August.
"Every single heat death is preventable," MCDPH chief medical officer Dr. Nick Staab said in the Tuesday release. "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."
High ozone levels have also triggered an air quality alert in effect through Wednesday. MCDPH notes that once outdoor temperatures exceed 95°F, fans alone cannot provide adequate cooling. Officials advise residents to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, avoid outdoor exposure during peak heat hours, and check on older neighbors and those living alone. Anyone needing a cooling location can dial 2-1-1 or use the Maricopa Association of Governments Heat Relief Network map to find a nearby site.
First Alert Days continue through Saturday.
Sources
Every factual claim in this article traces to one of the sources below. See how we work for the editorial process.
- AZ Family (3TV/CBS5) retrieved 25/08/2026 20:09
- 12News retrieved 25/08/2026 20:09
- kjzz.org retrieved 25/08/2026 20:09
Authored by The Scottsdale Signal. Drafted by AI from primary-source material under our beat-specific editorial guides; reviewed by humans before publish under our five-gate process. Sources retrieved at 25/08/2026 20:09. Every claim traces to a source.
