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Phoenix Cites Preliminary Drop in 2025 Heat Deaths, Touts Expanded Cooling Efforts

City leaders urge broader government help to sustain heat‑prevention programs.

Overview

  • Preliminary Maricopa County figures list 333 heat‑linked deaths from April through October with 152 cases still under investigation, and the final 2025 report has not been released.
  • At a Nov. 21 briefing, Mayor Kate Gallego said the early tally is lower than last summer and continues the downward trend reported in 2024.
  • Phoenix ran a 24/7 downtown cooling center through Sept. 30 alongside three extended‑hour sites and 111 hydration stations, drawing more than 44,000 visits.
  • First responders provided nearly 2,600 transports to cooling sites and treated 161 patients with cold‑water immersion for suspected heat stroke, which officials say eased strain on emergency services.
  • Outreach focused on mobile and manufactured home communities that represent over a quarter of indoor heat deaths despite being about 5% of housing, and officials called for more late‑night relief and outside funding.