Maricopa County has recorded 40 heat-related deaths so far this year, more than twice the 17 reported at the same point in 2025. The grim snapshot arrives as Phoenix endures another stretch of triple-digit temperatures. The preliminary breakdown also shows how unevenly the danger is falling, with men representing 78% of the deaths, substance use involved in 65%, and homelessness involved in 33%.
Arizona’s Family reported the 40-death tally using new Maricopa County data. The county’s heat surveillance system distinguishes between confirmed deaths, cases where heat caused or contributed to a death, and deaths still under investigation, meaning the number can change as medical examiner reviews are completed.
Outreach teams are seeing the strain on the streets
Heat outreach workers told Arizona’s Family that this has been one of their busiest weeks responding to heat-related distress. Circle the City crews are distributing cold water, cooling rags and information about nearby cooling centers, while providing intravenous fluids when basic cooling measures are not enough.
That work is focused heavily on people living outdoors, but the county data shows heat risk is not limited to the unhoused population. The 2025 Maricopa County heat report found that about 60% of heat-related deaths involved people age 50 or older, underscoring the heightened danger for older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
Phoenix has expanded cooling options for the summer
Phoenix’s 2026 heat response plan includes a 24/7 respite center at 20 W. Jackson Street and extended cooling hours at Justa Center at 1001 W. Jefferson Street. The city also extended evening hours at Cholla Library and added partnerships intended to connect families and people experiencing homelessness with shelter and other services, according to the City of Phoenix.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued an Extreme Heat Warning during the latest hot spell, with highs expected around or above 110 degrees in parts of the metro area. Officials continue to emphasize the basics: drink water, seek shade or air conditioning, and check on people who may not be able to cool down safely on their own.
The 40-death count is likely to rise
Maricopa County says death certificate information may be amended when new medical evidence emerges, and the medical examiner typically needs two to three months to finish a heat-related death investigation. The county dashboard also lists cases under investigation as a maximum possible total, not a final count, so the current number is best understood as an early warning rather than a season-ending statistic.
With the hottest part of Phoenix’s summer still underway, health workers expect more cases to be added. The data makes one point difficult to miss: access to water, shade and a reliable place to cool down can be the difference between discomfort and an emergency.
