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Just how hot was hot this year? The answer may be found in more than just the temperature, but in how many people sought medical attention.
At least one hospital facility has confirmed there was a rise in heat-related illness this summer with over 300 cases reported from May to August of this year.
But South Texas Health System has been seeing a rise in heat illnesses at their facilities since 2023, according to Tom Castañeda, system director of marketing and public relations.
In 2023, its Trauma and Critical Care Institute, which includes STHS’ four acute care facilities and six freestanding emergency departments, saw a total of 325 cases of heat illness.
These cases accounted for a 95% increase from 2022, which saw a total of 166 cases.
Over the course of those two years, most cases were reported during the summer months, from May through September.
As of this August, STHS has seen a total of 332 heat related cases, a 2% increase from last year at its 10 acute care facilities.
“Of this year’s heat-related illness cases so far, 92% of them were reported in May through August,” Castañeda said via email.
Barry Goldsmith, meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Brownsville, said Friday that these cases can be juxtaposed with recent soaring temperatures.
“2024 was off the charts,” Goldsmith said.
For instance, in Brownsville where the history of heat indices have been recorded since 1878, May 2023 proved to be the 20th warmest on record at 81.7 degrees (median). But this May scored an all-time record at 87.4 degrees, which was also equivalent to the fourth hottest July on record.
May 2023 in McAllen was the 38th warmest on record, which dates back to 1942, at 81.2 degrees. Like Brownsville, however, McAllen recorded its all-time hottest May this year at 88.1 degrees, which was 2.6 degrees above the prior record.
Harlingen in 2023 had the 10th warmest May with records going back to 1912, but data for 2024 hasn’t been calculated due to the location where heat is measured changing.
Castañeda reminded residents to stay out of the heat when possible and to stay hydrated, and pay special attention to more vulnerable communities.
“Heat-related illness continues to be a serious threat to those most at risk, including infants and children, people over the age of (60), people without air conditioning, athletes and outdoor workers,” Castañeda said. “South Texas Health System encourages residents to pay close attention to daily forecast(s) for heat risk and take the necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illness, including understanding the early warning signs of heat-related illness, drinking plenty of water, staying cool indoors, scheduling outdoor activities carefully and taking regularly scheduled breaks in air conditioning or the shade.
“Remember, if you do have to spend time outside, it’s important to pace yourself and use the buddy system to help each other watch out for the signs of heat-related illness.”
