Between 1999 and 2023, U.S. heat deaths more than doubled, emphasizing the dire consequences of climate change and the need for greater public awareness and action.
The heat dome that settled over Washington and Oregon in 2021 resulted in thousands of hospitalizations and over 600 fatalities, showing the deadly impact of extreme heat.
Naming heat waves could enhance public awareness and preparedness, similar to naming hurricanes, making lethal heat events more recognizable and emphasizing their growing threat.
In typical years, more Americans die during heat waves than from hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined, illustrating the severe and often overlooked dangers of extreme temperatures.
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