Heat-Wave Deaths: It's Not All About Temperatures

July 29, 2010— -- The South and East Coast have taken a real beating this summer from record-breaking temperatures and unrelenting heat, but the dog days don't necessarily produce a corresponding spike in fatalities.

This June was the hottest one on record, with temperatures more than 2 degrees above the 20th-century average for the month, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA's records stretch as far back as 1880.

The average temperature in Maryland last month was 75.2 degrees, 4.7 degrees warmer than normal. Virginia suffered through an average temperature of 76.1 degrees, 5.1 degrees higher than usual. And Arkansas averaged 81.7 degrees for the month, 5 degrees warmer than the 20th-century average.

The sizzling statistics have translated into a number of fatalities across the country, with many states and cities that register record-breaking temperatures leading the pack.

Maryland reported its 17th heat-related death Monday when a 20-year-old man went into cardiac arrest while cycling. Across the border in Virginia, the heat has contributed to nine deaths, and Washington, D.C., has reported one heat-related death.

Elsewhere, New York City has blamed three deaths on the heat; Philadelphia, 14; and Little Rock, Ark., four.

Some experts expect the death tolls to rise as the summer heat rolls on and medical examiner offices investigate more cases.

Despite some contention over what constitutes a heat-related death, many across the country find the growing numbers alarming.

"We're seeing increased numbers of heat-related illnesses earlier in the summer than expected," said Dr. David Markenson, chairman of the American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid and Safety.