Heat ruled a factor in 29 Southern Nevada deaths so far in this year

Tony Garcia, Las Vegas Review-Journal on Jul 15, 2025

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LAS VEGAS — The number of heat-related deaths in Southern Nevada has reached 29 this year, according to a Clark County news release.

Monday proved to be the hottest day of 2025 so far in the Las Vegas Valley. The National Weather Service said the official high at Harry Reid International Airport reached 112 degrees, 4 degrees short of the daily record of 116, set in 1972.

The age of those who suffered heat-related deaths ranged from 28 to 90, according to the news release.

The county coroner’s office said it takes 90 days to investigate most deaths and determine the cause and manner of death. The first heat deaths of 2025 occurred on May 9, when the temperature reached 95 degrees.

Last year’s record-setting heat that topped out at 120 degrees led to 527 heat-related deaths, though experts say heat-related deaths are undercounted throughout the country.

“It is important to note that certain drug classifications make people more susceptible to succumbing to the heat including the use of certain drugs including fentanyl,” the release said. “In addition to the use of drugs, other contributing factors in heat deaths can include illnesses and medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease as well as behaviors such as physical exertion, inappropriate clothing, lack of acclimatization and poor fluid intake.”

Helping prevent heat-related deaths has been a priority of local governments and scientists, especially as climate change contributes to prolonged and more extreme heat waves.

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