Total of 78 likely heat-related deaths in Washington from recent heat wave
Jul 8, 2021, 3:33 PM
There has been a total of 78 likely heat-related deaths identified in Washington by the state Department of Health as a result of the extreme heat wave at the end of June.
Breakdown of records set during Washington’s heat wave
For comparison, there were seven heat-related deaths in 2020 in Washington from mid-June to the end of August. From 2015 to 2020, there were 39 total deaths in the warmer months of May to September.
“This huge jump in mortality due to heat is tragic and something many people thought they’d never see in the Pacific Northwest with its mostly moderate climate,” says Acting State Health Officer Dr. Scott Lindquist. “But climates are changing, and we see the evidence of that with dramatic weather events, major flooding, historic forest fires, and more.”
Most of the 78 deaths were in were in King and Pierce counties. The highest number of deaths (33) occurred on June 29. In total, 19 counties have reported heat-related deaths.
Local, state leaders warn of climate change threat amid record heat wave
Deaths are reported to the state by health care providers, medical examiners and coroners, local health departments, and others. The DOH says it is waiting on a number of “pending” deaths to be given a cause of death. A final count for heat-related deaths will not be available for at least a month.
Find updates on heat-related deaths by county here, updated every Monday. Learn more about climate change and health impacts online here.
Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest
