Excessive Heat — Western Pima County, Arizona

2023-07-01 to 2023-07-07 · Western Pima County, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot temperatures of 9 to 14 degrees above normal caused the Major Heat Risk category to be reached across western and central Pima County the first seven days of July. Record highs of 113 degrees on July 1 and 110 on July 6 occurred at Ajo, but the hottest temperature was 114 on July 3. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument topped at 109 degrees on July 3 and 5 and Sells reached 108 on July 1 and 3.

Wider weather episode

Persistent strong high pressure aloft created an extended period of very hot temperatures in early July across the lower elevations of southeast Arizona. High temperatures were 5 to 14 degrees above normal causing the Major Heat Risk category to be reached and several record high temperatures to be established. A total of 13 heat-related fatalities were reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1120025. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.