Heat-related deaths--Philadelphia and United States, 1993-1994

Abstract

During June 1994, temperatures across the United States were higher than usual. Since June 13, record high temperatures (above 90 F [32.2 C]) with humidities of 50%-60% have occurred in the northeastern United States (1). During July 1-14, 1993, the eastern United States also experienced a severe heat wave with high temperatures (93 F-101 F [33.9 C-38.3 C]) and high humidity (36%-58%) (2). During July 6-14, 1993, in Philadelphia, medical examiners (MEs) determined 118 deaths were heat-related*. This report describes heat-related deaths that occurred in Philadelphia during 1993 and 1994 and summarizes risk factors for heat-related illness and death.