Phoenix, AZ — Phoenix experienced its hottest June on record this year, with temperatures soaring past 110 degrees on nearly half the days of the month and peaking at a scorching 117 degrees on the hottest day. This extreme heat is not just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous, contributing to a significant number of severe burn cases treated at local medical facilities.
The Arizona Burn Center—Valleywise Health reported that sidewalks can reach temperatures between 160 and 175 degrees when the air temperature climbs into the triple digits. This has resulted in at least 30 patients receiving treatment for serious burns caused by contact with overheated surfaces like asphalt and concrete.
Last year, the center saw a record number of heat-related admissions, with 136 patients treated for severe burns between June and August, a sharp rise from 85 in the previous year. According to Dr. Kevin Foster, director of Burn Services at the center, it only takes between 10 to 20 minutes of exposure to these hot surfaces to sustain third-degree burns.
Dr. Foster explained that the risk extends beyond direct sun exposure. “Objects that have been sitting in the sun, such as metal door handles and seat belt buckles, can reach near-boiling temperatures,” he noted, highlighting the common underestimation of the speed and severity with which burns can occur.
The spike in nighttime temperatures also complicates the situation, with overnight lows not dropping below the 90s on several occasions. This prolonged exposure to heat can exacerbate health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and homeless individuals. These groups are not only more susceptible to burns from hot surfaces but are also at a higher risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Maricopa County’s reports indicate an unsettling trend, with 11 heat-related deaths recorded so far this year, up from the previous year’s count at the same time. Additionally, the county is investigating 164 potential heat deaths. Public health officials have been tracking such data since 2006 and have developed a dashboard to assist in understanding the specific demographics affected by these tragedies.
Assistant Medical Director Nick Staab of Maricopa County Department of Public Health emphasized the importance of this data in planning and resource allocation. “By quantifying the severity of heat effects and identifying the high-risk populations, we aim to tailor our strategies to mitigate these risks and prevent future deaths and injuries,” Staab said.
The center treats a variety of patients, from those affected by occupational hazards to elderly individuals who might fall or faint due to the heat. The data collected helps local health departments and community organizations to focus their efforts on improving living conditions and providing critical resources like air conditioning and medical care to those at greatest risk.
As the summer continues, authorities in Phoenix are ramping up community awareness campaigns and strengthening their outreach to ensure residents and visitors understand the risks associated with the extreme temperatures. These initiatives are crucial in a region where the mercury often hits levels high enough to cause serious health issues and even fatalities, underscoring the broader impacts of climate change and urban heat islands.
This year’s record-breaking temperatures serve as a somber reminder of the tangible effects of global warming, urging immediate and coordinated actions to safeguard public health against the unforgiving summer heat of the desert city.