This study examines the impact of heatwaves on maternal mental health in North Carolina from 2011 to 2019. Findings show that extreme heat exposure significantly increases the risk of severe mental illness, particularly among vulnerable groups affected by socioeconomic and environmental disparities. The study highlights the urgent need for policies addressing climate-related mental health risks.

Beyond individual factors like maternal age and insurance type, neighborhood characteristics such as economic inequality, racial segregation, and rurality further modified the risk of mental health complications. Prolonged exposure to moderate-intensity heatwaves had the most significant effects, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to protect maternal health in the face of rising temperatures.