Heat — Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

2022-04-18 · Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot temperatures 15 degrees above normal, in the mid to upper 90s, were experienced in Pima County on April 18 causing the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one individual found in the desert two miles southeast of Arivaca.

Wider weather episode

Hot temperatures in the mid to upper 90s were experienced in the lower elevations of southeast Arizona on April 18. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for three individuals found in the desert, one southwest of Topawa on the Tohono O'odham Nation, one southeast of Arivaca in Pima County and a third northeast of Douglas in Cochise County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1025202. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.