Public Safety · Pima County
Pima County Reports Record Heat Deaths, Illnesses in 2026
The Pima County Health Department reported record heat-related deaths and illnesses in 2026, with confirmed deaths reaching 151 and illnesses at 1,013 as of Thursday, Oct. 22, surpassing the 117 total heat-related deaths recorded for all of 2025. Increases were noted among elderly adults, homeless individuals, and residents in mobile homes with insufficient air conditioning, according to Nate Young, program manager for the Office of Heat Response and Relief. The Pima County Heat Relief Network opened a record number of cooling centers starting in April, and the Heat Response division was included in the Health Department's overall budget for the first time after previously relying solely on grants. Officials plan to meet before the end of October to assess data and adapt heat-response strategies ahead of next summer.