Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Heat-related emergency room visits in the U.S. surged in 2023 compared to previous years. This is according to new federal data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, there were a total of 119,605 ER visits for heat-related illnesses. 92% of these visits happened between May and September.
ER Rates Spiking
July and August saw particularly high rates of heat-related ER visits. This was consistent with the record-breaking temperatures we saw in 2023. The risk of heat-related ER visits during these months was more than three times higher than in May, June, and September of the same year. This increase was notable compared to the period between 2018 and 2022 when the risk during July and August was only about twice as high as in the other warm-season months.
Certain regions of the U.S., particularly Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, were most impacted. Reported risks of heat-related ER visits were up to nine times higher than in New York and New Jersey. The southwestern and western U.S. experienced prolonged periods of elevated heat-related ER visit rates, with some days exceeding the 95th percentile for the period between 2018 and 2022. The data also revealed that more men than women sought care in ERs for heat-related illnesses in 2023, with adults between ages 18 and 64 having higher rates compared to those aged 65 and older.
Climate Trends
In the United States climate models project an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in the coming decades. In 2023 alone, there were several stretches of 100+ degree weather throughout the southern US. El Paso, Texas, saw 44 consecutive days at or over 100 degrees in June and July. The previous record? 23 consecutive days. Worldwide, the planet reached the hottest day every recorded for four days in a row in July.
Organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regularly monitor and provide forecasts for weather patterns. These include heatwaves, in an attempt to help communities prepare and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat. These forecasts often include alerts and advisories issued during periods of high temperatures to inform the public and support heat-related safety measures.
There is an increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in the U.S. and globally. These are driven by climate change. With projections indicating more days of extreme heat in the future, we need to be aware of real-time monitoring of weather conditions. Stay prepared, plan ahead, and avoid ER visits!
Nearly 1 million people have joined the site. You can track your health, monitor the efficacy of treatment, and talk to people experiencing the same thing as you. Creating an account is free! Join today.