Critical updates

Track heat-related illness in real time:

Arizona Department of Health Services heat-related illness and deaths dashboard

Maricopa County Department of Public Health heat-related illness and deaths dashboard

How dangerous is extreme heat?

Think about the planning, tracking and fear that goes into a tornado or hurricane. The emergency alerts, the practice drills and the constant news coverage. Now think about this: according to the National Weather Service, the 10 year-average of heat fatalities in the U.S. is twice as high as any other weather hazard.

The reason heat doesn’t get that same urgency is part of what makes it so dangerous. It doesn’t roll through town and leave a path of physical destruction. It becomes a chronic condition, the same forecast or excessive heat warning as last week, and the week before. It’s easy to normalize high temperatures when they are so familiar, even when it’s deadly.

As temperatures climb, the impacts are not always immediately noticeable. Extreme heat affects people, animals, and the structures around us in different ways.

Test your heat knowledge

How much do you really know about heat? Take this quick 5 minute quiz to find out.

How to protect yourself from extreme heat

The next time you see 115 degrees in the morning forecast, take a moment to think about the people around you. What happens to your older neighbor if they fall on scorching pavement and can’t get up right away? What about a friend’s infant, who has no way to tell anyone how hot they are? Your postal worker’s vehicle likely has no air conditioning. Your uncle may not have had his AC serviced in years.

People experiencing homelessness face some of the most severe risks, with little ability to escape the heat. People living with chronic medical conditions, or taking common medications like diuretics (water pills) and beta-blockers (blood pressure medications), may find their bodies working against them when it’s dangerously hot.

Here’s what you can do. 

For yourself:

Check the forecast before heading out and plan outdoor activity for early in the morning, when temperatures are lowest. Also, drink water before you feel thirsty! By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Wear light, loose, light-colored clothing and protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

No AC or place to cool off?

Getting to a cooling center is the right call! Staying for two hours is ideal but at least 70 minutes and drinking water consistently while you’re inside is what actually allows your body to recover. Don’t leave because you feel okay after 20 minutes. The data shows your body is still working hard even when you can’t feel it. Want to know more about the science behind this? Visit our Heat timeline and impact page for the full research spotlight.

For people around you:

Check on elderly neighbors during heat waves, especially those who live alone. If someone outside appears confused, disoriented, or unresponsive, call 911. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a minute or two. Walk pets with booties if the pavement is too hot for your feet. Always share what you know because the people you may not realize how quickly heat can become an emergency.

For detailed guidance on how to stay safe, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services Heat Safety page:

Make a heat plan before you need one.

Knowing the warning signs and having a plan in place can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. We’ve put together a free Arizona Family Heat Plan that walks you through exactly what to do… from recognizing heat stroke symptoms to knowing where your nearest cooling center is and who in your life to check on.

Download the ASU Health Observatory Family Heat Response Plan:

Heat Relief Network in Arizona

In the summer of 2005, a heat wave killed 35 people in nine days in the Phoenix area. That tragedy became a turning point. Regional leaders came together and built something that has since become a national model: the Heat Relief Network.

The Heat Relief Network is a collaborative effort of government, non-profit, and faith-based organizations that form a regional safety net during the hottest months of the year. Every May 1 through September 30, hundreds of sites across the Valley open their doors to offer cooling centers with air conditioning, respite centers offering indoor relief from the heat, hydration stations distributing free water, and donation sites accepting heat-relief supplies, these sites are all publicly mapped by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG).

For many people, heat relief sites are what stands between a bad day and something much worse.

Find a heat relief site near you:

How you can help

Heat relief is a community effort, and there are meaningful ways to get involved. Organizations can become an official Heat Relief Site by completing the standards and site expectations form on the MAG website. Individuals can donate items like water bottles, electrolyte drinks, sunscreen, hats, or socks at regional drop-off locations. And if you want to give your time, reach out directly to sites through the network map to find volunteer opportunities near you.