About The Study: This study found that heat-related mortality rates in the U.S. increased between 1999 and 2023, especially during the last 7 years. Although a study using data through 2018 found a downward trend in heat-related mortality in the U.S., this study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate a reversal of this trend from 2016 to 2023. These results align with site-specific data analyzed in a global study that suggest increases in heat-related mortality. As temperatures continue to rise because of climate change, the recent increasing trend is likely to continue. Local authorities in high-risk areas should consider investing in the expansion of access to hydration centers and public cooling centers or other buildings with air conditioning.
About The Study: This study found that heat-related mortality rates in the U.S. increased between 1999 and 2023, especially during the last 7 years. Although a study using data through 2018 found a downward trend in heat-related mortality in the U.S., this study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate a reversal of this trend from 2016 to 2023. These results align with site-specific data analyzed in a global study that suggest increases in heat-related mortality. As temperatures continue to rise because of climate change, the recent increasing trend is likely to continue. Local authorities in high-risk areas should consider investing in the expansion of access to hydration centers and public cooling centers or other buildings with air conditioning.
Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Jeffrey T. Howard, PhD, email jeffrey.howard@utsa.edu.
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(doi:10.1001/jama.2024.16386)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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Cite Scienmag News
Sloane Callahan. (August 26, 2024). Trends of heat-related deaths in the US, 1999-2023. Scienmag. https://scienmag.com/trends-of-heat-related-deaths-in-the-us-1999-2023/
Sloane Callahan. "Trends of heat-related deaths in the US, 1999-2023." Scienmag, 26 August 2024, https://scienmag.com/trends-of-heat-related-deaths-in-the-us-1999-2023/. Accessed 3 September 2026.
Sloane Callahan. "Trends of heat-related deaths in the US, 1999-2023." Scienmag. August 26, 2024. https://scienmag.com/trends-of-heat-related-deaths-in-the-us-1999-2023/
