The city of St. Louis has confirmed a third heat-related death.
The latest victim is a 79-year-old woman who lived alone in an apartment in the 2900 block of Cass. She had a functioning window AC unit that she used mostly at night, and which was not turned on when officials found her early Wednesday.
The city also reported six heat-related illnesses on Wednesday.
The first heat-related death came during a stretch of hot weather in June, when officials found a 52-year-old woman in a house on Iowa that had a working air conditioner that was not turned on. A second heat-related death, on July 13, occurred in a house with an air conditioner that was on, but blowing hot air.
Health officials are urging residents to check in on relatives and neighbors in person, especially the elderly or those in poor health. Individuals who need to access cooling shelters can call 2-1-1, or 1-800-427-4626 from a cell phone.
An excessive heat warning continues until Saturday at 7 p.m.
