Dallas County reports first heatstroke death as extreme temperatures continue in North Texas

Dallas County officials announced Thursday that a 79-year-old woman is the first person to die from heatstroke in Dallas County this year.

The Dallas County Health and Human Services Department said the woman was a Dallas resident living in east Dallas and had no pre-existing medical conditions.

“With temperatures rising all summer long, we urge everyone to take precautions to protect yourself and your children from heatstroke,” DCHHS Director Dr. Philip Huang said in a statement. “To protect yourself from the extreme heat, stay hydrated and limit time outdoors.”

The county’s first reported heatstroke death comes after a Texas Tribune report found that the state of Texas may have undercounted heatstroke deaths. The Tribune and Inside Climate News concluded that quantifying heatstroke deaths is difficult because of the complexity and subjectivity of the process.

North Texas is experiencing a heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to reach triple digits through the weekend.

Fort Worth and Dallas are among the areas in North Texas under extreme heat warnings, with heat index, or perceived temperature, expected to range from 110 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.

The National Weather Service advises residents to stay hydrated, avoid the heat by taking frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas, wear loose, light-colored clothing and not leave children or pets unattended in cars.

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