Extreme heat events are now a year-round public health emergency in the U.S., driving spikes in ER visits and deaths. Vulnerable groups and infrastructure gaps highlight urgent need for climate-resilient health policy.

As climate disasters worsen, heatwaves have escalated into a critical public health emergency in America. Once seasonal nuisances, these intense episodes of heat are now occurring more frequently and severely, overwhelming emergency rooms and causing tens of thousands of preventable deaths each year.

The Growing Threat of Severe Heat in America
According to the National Weather Service, a heatwave is an extended period of abnormally hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity. In 2023, over 2,300 people died due to heat spells—more than any year in the past five decades. This was a significant jump from 1,722 deaths in 2022 and dwarfed the 600 recorded in 1999. The worsening crisis is linked to the increasing duration of heatwaves and rapid urbanization.

Overcrowding of Emergency Rooms During Heatwaves
The CDC found a strong correlation between rising temperatures and emergency room visits. In 2023, over 119,000 people were treated for heat-related illnesses—well above the decade average of 60,000–80,000 cases. By mid-July 2023 alone, nearly 1,500 patients had sought emergency care, double the number from the same period in 2022. Most affected were working-age men, especially outdoor laborers such as construction workers and delivery drivers. Black and Latino populations faced disproportionate risk due to limited access to air conditioning and healthcare.

Vulnerable Populations at Increased Risk
Certain groups are more vulnerable to heat events:
Older Adults: Aging impairs the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and medications can interfere with hydration and thermoregulation. Heat-related incidents in elder care facilities have surged by 30% in the past decade.
Children: Particularly in low-income, urban communities, children often lack access to cooling resources.
Low-Income and Homeless Populations: These groups are unable to afford air-conditioned housing or medical care. In Las Vegas, homeless individuals account for a major share of heat-related ER visits.
Outdoor Workers: Over 32 million Americans work outdoors, often in direct sunlight. Despite increasing risks, OSHA reports insufficient federal protections for these workers.

Urbanization and Infrastructure Disparities
City residents suffer more during heatwaves due to the urban heat island effect, where buildings and asphalt absorb and trap heat. Outdated infrastructure, such as old public housing lacking modern air conditioning, worsens the situation. Energy poverty also contributes—about 20% of households reduce essential spending to afford summer energy bills, according to the Energy Information Administration. Hospitals, particularly in California and Texas, are investing in climate-resilient buildings and mobile refrigeration units to manage surges in heat-related admissions.

Path Forward: Prevention and Policy
Addressing heatwaves requires immediate and long-term solutions:
Early Warning Systems: Tools like the CDC Heat and Health Tracker help authorities issue alerts and health guidance.
Cooling Shelters: More public cooling centers must operate round-the-clock, especially in underserved areas.
Job Protection: A national OSHA heat standard could mandate rest, water, and shade for at-risk workers.
Urban Design: Investments in green spaces, reflective roofing, and building retrofits can reduce city temperatures.

Conclusion
Heatwaves are now a constant public health threat. With rising emergency visits and hospitalizations as symptoms of systemic failure, America must mobilize around planning, infrastructure, and equitable access to protect lives in a warmer, more hostile climate.