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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 26, 2026Miami-Dade

Study links rising temperatures to increased emergency room visits for specific illnesses and injuries

A study of Chicago hospital and urgent care records identifies a correlation between high temperatures and an increase in emergency room visits for various medical conditions. The findings highlight a broader range of heat-related health impacts beyond traditional heatstroke.

public healthclimate changeemergency medicinehospital data
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Why It Matters

Understanding the specific types of medical emergencies that spike during hot weather helps hospitals and public health officials allocate resources and prepare for increased patient volume during heat waves.

Key Facts

  • A study analyzed hospital and urgent care records in Chicago to determine the impact of high temperatures on emergency room visits.
  • Increased temperatures are associated with a rise in accidental gunshot wounds.
  • Heat spells correlate with higher rates of kidney-related complaints.
  • Skin problems and varicose veins show increased incidence during hot weather.
  • Mental health issues related to marijuana use were identified as rising during periods of high heat.
  • The study suggests that the health impacts of heat extend beyond standard heat-related illnesses like heatstroke.

Who's Mentioned

other916,404“Total number of emergency room and urgent care visits analyzed.”organizationAssociated Press“The news agency reporting on the study.”other30“Factor by which accidental gunshot wounds increased during hot days.”personDr. Nicholas Cozzi“President-elect of the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians.”personDr. Jonathan Patz“Chair of health and environment at the University of Wisconsin.”other92.6“Temperature threshold in degrees Fahrenheit used for the study.”personDr. Courtney Howard“Canadian emergency room physician and president-elect of the Canadian Medical As”personDaniel Horton“Northwestern climate scientist and study co-author.”locationChicago“The location where the hospital and urgent care records were studied.”personKris Ebi“Climate and health scientist at the University of Washington.”organizationNorthwestern University“The institution that conducted the medical study.”personDr. Abel Kho“Senior author of the study and internal medicine professor.”