Maricopa County Public Health officials have confirmed the first heat-related death of the year in the Valley.
The victim was an older adult male, but officials have not released any additional details about the case.
Temperatures this spring have been much hotter than average and the Valley reached triple-digits in mid-March, earlier in the year than ever before.
Last year, 430 people across Maricopa County died from heat-related causes.
County officials say the first heat-related fatality of 2026 should be a reminder that heat is the top weather-related killer in the U.S. and everyone should take precautions in high temperatures.
“[The Maricopa County Department of Public Health] urges residents to take this tragic loss as a reminder to prioritize heat safety, know their risk for heat illness, and look out for one another, especially older adults, children, and people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes,” a press release from the department said. “Heat illness can affect anyone regardless of age, health status, fitness level, or how long they’ve lived in Arizona.”
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Federal agents are investigating the deaths of six people thought to be immigrants found inside a shipping container at a Union Pacific rail yard near the border with Mexico in Laredo, Texas, on Sunday as a "potential human smuggling event." -
Temperatures in Phoenix will be about 14 degrees hotter than normal Monday and Tuesday. Climate Central ranks the weather event at the highest end of its Climate Shift Index scale. -
An extreme heat warning is in effect now through Tuesday night as temperatures in the Valley reach over 100 degrees. The National Weather Service says heat-related illnesses increase significantly during this period. -
As temperatures continue to rise in Arizona, electric vehicles and hybrid efficiency could take a hit, according to a new study from AAA. -
As temperatures climb, Arizona State Parks and Trails is reminding hikers to stay hydrated, hike early in the morning, wear lightweight clothing and bring a fully charged phone with them.
