King County Reports 6 Deaths Linked To July Heat Wave

SEATTLE — At least six people died during Puget Sound's recent heat wave, including three people who suffered hyperthermia and three who drowned, according to a new report by Public Health - Seattle & King County. Public Health kept track of heat-related illnesses each day of the record-breaking, six-day run of excessive heat and Monday confirmed the first deaths directly linked to the heat between July 26 and July 31.

Afternoon temperatures around Seattle hit 90 degrees each day in the period, marking the longest stretch in more than a century of records.

Emergency departments were busier, too, and reported more than 90 visits for heat-related illnesses through Sunday, treating 27 King County patients on Saturday alone. The visits reflected in the tally include those for suspected hyperthermia, sunstroke and heat exhaustion.

Public Health said in 2019 and 2020 emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses maxed out at 10 in a single day, compared to last year's daily high of 275 patients. Thursday saw the highest number of EMS calls for heat-related issues, with 15 incidents reported, and the drownings happened Wednesday and Friday, according to the report.

Authorities in Oregon, where temperatures soared into the triple digits for most of last week, reported 14 potential deaths from hyperthermia, with half reported in Multnomah County. During last year's deadly June heat wave, officials estimated 800 people died across Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.

Since deaths caused by heat are not always confirmed immediately, officials said more cases could be identified in the coming days.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.