Phoenix, AZ — Phoenix experienced its hottest June on record this year, with nearly half the days last month seeing temperatures soar past 110 degrees Fahrenheit. On the peak day, the thermometer hit a scorching 117 degrees. These extreme conditions are contributing to a steep increase in heat-related health issues including severe burns from contact with superheated surfaces.
According to the Arizona Burn Center—Valleywise Health, pavement temperatures have been recorded between 160 and 175 degrees Fahrenheit. The center has already treated 30 patients for serious burns caused by contact with hot surfaces just this summer. These injuries are not only painful but also require extensive medical treatment, often including multiple surgeries and long periods of recovery.
Kevin Foster, the director of Burn Services at the Arizona Burn Center, noted that such burns can develop within mere minutes of exposure to hot surfaces. Typical injuries include those sustained from sitting or falling on hot pavement, touching overheated metal objects like door handles or car seat belts, which can reach temperatures close to 170 degrees.
The heat is also proving increasingly fatal, with Maricopa County reporting 11 heat-associated deaths already this year, an increase from the previous year. Additionally, 164 heat-related deaths are currently under investigation by local health authorities. In 2022, 14 people died as direct results of burn injuries from the heat, setting a distressing record.
Local officials are particularly concerned about the vulnerability of certain populations. Elderly individuals and the homeless are among the most affected, with several patients admitted for treatment after falling or fainting due to heat exhaustion.
The overnight temperatures have provided little respite, complicating the problem further. Last month, the area experienced six nights where temperatures did not drop below the 90s, making it difficult for residents without adequate air conditioning to cool down.
Maricopa County has been monitoring these conditions closely since 2006, adopting various strategies to better respond to the annual heat crisis. The county utilizes a detailed dashboard that tracks heat-related illnesses and deaths, providing crucial data that informs public health decisions and resource allocation.
Nick Staab, assistant medical director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, emphasized the significance of these efforts. “We are really trying to quantify and tell the story of how severe the heat is and the impact on the community especially those who are especially vulnerable and high risk,” Staab said. “We’re going to use that data with a wide variety of partners, to say that is really a true risk here at Maricopa County and we want to plan for it in the future so we can prevent as many of these deaths as possible.”
As Phoenix continues to grapple with record-breaking heat, the urgency for preventive measures and public awareness campaigns grows. Health officials advise residents to avoid direct contact with outdoor surfaces during peak heat hours and stay hydrated and cool as much as possible.