US Heatwaves Could Lead to Record Number of Deaths; Experts See Full Spectrum of Heat-Related Risks

U.S. heatwaves are expected to lead to a record number of deaths this 2023. Experts shared this warning as hospitalizations in the United States increase from collapsing healthcare workers.

US Heatwaves Could Lead to Record Number of Deaths

Traffic warden Rai Rogers mans his street corner during an 8-hour shift under the hot sun in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 12, 2023, where temperatures reached 106 degrees amid an ongoing heatwave. More than 50 million Americans are set to bake under dangerously high temperatures this week, from California to Texas to Florida.FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

According to The Guardian's latest report, in the U.S., heat is considered to be the leading weather-related cause of death.

Heatwaves take more lives compared to hurricanes and other natural calamities. Now, experts warned that extremely high temperatures this 2023 could result in a new annual high death toll.

"This year looks on pace to potentially break records, in terms of heat and heat mortalities," explained Gregory Wellenius, a Boston University School of Public Health environmental health expert.

He added that they are seeing the full spectrum of heat-related risks. These include heat exhaustion due to dehydration.

Wellenius also warned about the water and food-borne illnesses created by bacteria, which replicate faster in warmer temperatures.

"My guess is that 2023 will prove to be one of the years with the most heat-related excess deaths on record in recent memory," he added.

Heatwaves Negatively Affect Air Conditioning

A billboard displays a temperature of 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celcius) during a record heat wave in Phoenix, Arizona on July 18, 2023. Swaths of the United States home to more than 80 million people were under heat warnings or advisories, as relentless, record-breaking temperatures continued to bake western and southern states. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

BBC reported that the worsening heat waves are negatively affecting the air conditioning capacity in the United States.

This is concerning since around 88% of U.S. households are relying on air conditioning systems, as revealed by the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey.

Con Edison (Consolidated Edision, Inc.), a U.S.-based energy provider, warned that the rising demand for air conditioning could cause strain on the electric system. Once this happens, localized outages might happen.

Heatwave Safety Tips

Since heatwaves are still happening across the U.S., it is important to know the safety tips that can help you, especially when air conditioning systems fail.

Luckily, CNN Health provided some of the things you can do to protect yourself from extreme temperatures.

Try taking a cold shower/bath.
Don't forget to drink lots of water during peak hours.
If you have cold washrags, try using them on your neck and wrists.
Instead of always using your air-con, try using box fans.
When sleeping, try using breathable linens.
Always turn on the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen.