Heat Kills Thousands in the U.S. Every Year. Why Are the Deaths So Hard to Track?

After a string of scorching days in June 2023, the body of an 88-year-old man was discovered in his home in Maricopa County, Ariz. His air-conditioner, set to 70, was blowing hot air. The temperature inside was nearly 110 degrees. Maybe he had heart problems. Maybe a different organ broke down. Maybe he was taking medications that did not work as they should. Did extreme heat cause or contribute to his…