Excessive Heat — Western Pima County, Arizona

2023-06-25 to 2023-06-26 · Western Pima County, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot temperatures 5 to 8 degrees above normal were experienced in western Pima County and the Tohono O'odham Nation June 25-26, causing the Major Heat Risk category to be reached. Ajo topped out at 112 degrees both days while Sells reached 107. On June 26, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument topped out at 109 degrees. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary factor in the death of one individual found in the desert near Sells.

Wider weather episode

Hot temperatures 3 to 6 degrees above normal were experienced in the lower elevations of Pima, Santa Cruz, Graham, Greenlee and southeast Pinal counties June 24-30, with very hot temperatures 5 to 11 degrees above normal high temperatures breaking records in a few locations June 25-27. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two individuals found in the desert, one in Santa Cruz County and another on the Tohono O'odham Nation. Heat was determined to be a contributing factor in the death of five individuals in Tucson.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1113264. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.