A deadly heat wave sweeping across the United States has left at least 28 people dead in California, Oregon, and Arizona, with numbers expected to rise as the scorching temperatures persist. In California, 14 cases of heat-related deaths are currently under investigation, with most victims over the age of 65 and found in their homes. Meanwhile, Oregon has seen ten suspected heat-related deaths, including young individuals in addition to the elderly.
The extreme heat has also claimed lives in other states, including a 4-month-old baby in Arizona and multiple deaths in North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington. The soaring temperatures have shattered records and hindered rescue efforts, with helicopters unable to operate due to thin air in some regions. Despite the rising death toll, accurately counting heat-related fatalities remains a challenge for researchers and medical experts, as many cases are often misclassified as other health issues despite heat being the primary trigger.
