Extreme Heat Raises Suicide Rates in US Prisons; California Allocates $246 Million, Needs $6 Billion for Cooling

Extreme heat is creating hazardous conditions inside prisons across the United States, where overcrowded, concrete facilities exacerbate rising temperatures, posing serious health risks to more than one million incarcerated individuals and staff. In California, prison cells can reach temperatures as high as 100°F during summer heatwaves. The worsening climate and inadequate cooling infrastructure have contributed to an increase in suicide rates by nearly 23% following extreme heat events. Although California has allocated $246 million to address these issues, experts estimate that $6 billion is needed to effectively mitigate the dangers. The situation raises concerns about the conditions potentially constituting cruel and unusual punishment. These findings were detailed in the latest episode of Reuters' On Assignment podcast, featuring reporting by race and justice correspondent Disha Ravi and host Christopher Jasper. Similar heat-related challenges are reported in overcrowded prisons in France, such as the Seysses penitentiary near Toulouse, where inmates face stifling heat amid regional heatwave alerts.