A recent study found that the number of heat-related deaths in the United States increased significantly between 1999 and 2023. This increase comes as the country faces more extreme heat events.
The research, published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association* on Monday, showed a rise in the number of heat-related deaths annually, from 1,069 in 1999 to 2,325 in 2023. The total number of heat-related deaths during this period reached 21,518. Researchers observed a sharp increase in heat-related deaths in the last seven years, coinciding with record-breaking high temperatures.
The researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on all recorded heat-related deaths from 1999 to 2023. While the number of deaths varied year-to-year, the researchers noted a 16.8% increase in heat-related deaths annually from 2016 to 2023.
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The researchers stated in their analysis that “As temperatures continue to rise because of climate change, the recent increasing trend is likely to continue.”
The researchers acknowledged that the actual number of heat-related deaths might be even higher, as causes of death could be misclassified on death certificates.
This summer has witnessed several heat waves. The Midwest and East Coast experienced a heatwave in June, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. California officials issued heat warnings ahead of the Fourth of July long weekend, alerting tens of millions of Americans to high temperatures. July 2023 was the warmest July on record globally in 175 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And 2023 was the hottest year on record.
As concerns about the effects of climate change grow, climate experts and meteorologists have warned the public about the dangers of extreme heat. Research has also shown that climate change can exacerbate extreme weather events like hurricanes and wildfires.
Another heatwave is expected to hit the United States this week, with temperatures reaching between 105-115 degrees.