Heat death total for Southern Nevada rises dramatically in latest count

The Clark County coroner’s office said it has investigated 260 deaths where heat was a factor so far this year.

In a Thursday update, the first since the end of July, the number shot up dramatically from 46.

The toll from 2024, the hottest year on record in Las Vegas since reliable records began in the 1937, still ranks the highest among years where totals of heat deaths can be compared, with 527 deaths. Clark County coroner Melanie Rouse, who came to the office from Arizona, updated the office’s protocol in 2021 to widen its criteria for heat-related investigations.

Heat deaths stem from many issues in the Las Vegas Valley, from more extreme temperatures in certain neighborhoods, a lack of reliable air conditioning, drug use, homelessness and more. A Las Vegas Review-Journal investigation entitled “A Fatal Forecast” published last month examined some of these issues in depth.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.