At least six people have died from heat-related causes in metro Phoenix this year, as temperatures soared to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius) this week, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health reported.

An additional 87 deaths are under investigation for possible heat-related causes as of last Saturday, according to the department's latest weekly update.

Phoenix experienced its hottest days of the year on Thursday and Friday, reaching 115 degrees F (46 C). The region remained under an excessive heat warning, although some moisture and slight cooling were forecasted for the weekend. Meteorologist Ryan Worley from the National Weather Service mentioned a 30% chance of rain over the next few days, which could bring a brief dip in temperatures to around 110 degrees before rising again next week.

The heatwave affected most of the United States on Friday, with many areas anticipating record-breaking temperatures.

Maricopa County, located in the Sonoran Desert, recorded a staggering 645 heat-related deaths last year, a significant increase from the 425 deaths confirmed in 2022. The county is notable for providing regularly updated and publicly accessible data on heat-related fatalities.

In response to last year's extreme temperatures, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency after metro Phoenix endured a 31-day streak of temperatures reaching at least 110 degrees F (43.3 degrees C).

The Office of the Medical Examiner in Pima County, which includes Arizona's second most populous city of Tucson, has also begun tracking heat-related deaths through a newly implemented dashboard. So far this year, Pima County has reported at least five heat-related deaths, with an additional three deaths in rural counties contracting with Pima for forensic services. Last year, Pima County recorded 176 heat-related deaths, along with 51 such deaths in the additional rural counties it services.

As the heatwave continues, public health officials urge residents to take precautions to stay safe and hydrated, emphasizing the dangers of extreme heat and the importance of monitoring vulnerable populations. (ILKHA)