Maricopa County has recorded its first heat-related death of 2026, after an older adult man died from heat complications, county health officials confirmed Friday. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health said it is withholding additional details to protect the man's privacy and urged neighbors and family members to check on vulnerable residents as temperatures climb.
In a news release, the department said the person who died was an older adult male and did not release further information to protect patient privacy. The release urged residents to “know their risk” for heat illness and to look out for older adults, children and people with chronic health conditions, according to Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
Historic March Heat
The death comes on the heels of a record-shattering March that shoved early-season highs across the Southwest into the triple digits. National climate data show March 2026 was the warmest March on record for the contiguous United States, and Weather.com reported that dozens of cities, including Phoenix, logged their hottest March on record. Those early triple-digit days raise the risk of heat-related illness for people who do not have consistent access to cooling.
Where Counts Stand
Preliminary county data show 427 heat-related deaths in 2025, down from 608 in 2024 and 645 in 2023, a decline officials have linked to expanded cooling sites and outreach, per the county's 2026 heat plan. The Maricopa County Board received the plan this month, which calls for intergovernmental agreements to extend cooling-center hours, expanded partnerships with community groups, and a public dashboard that will post weekly updates starting May 5. For details on the numbers and planned actions, see Maricopa County.
Cooling Options and What Residents Can Do
The county's regional Heat Relief Network is set to launch on May 1 with hydration stations, cooling centers and respite sites. Residents who need help finding a place to cool off can call 2-1-1 or use the regional map. Local reporting by AZFamily notes the network and county resources aim to expand access, particularly for older adults and people experiencing homelessness. Health officials recommend staying hydrated, minimizing outdoor activity during peak heat, and checking on neighbors who may be at higher risk.
