Excessive Heat in South Central Pinal County, Arizona

Very hot temperatures of 5 degrees above normal caused the Major Heat Risk category to be reached across south central Pinal County the first nine days of July. Picacho Peak reached 110 degrees on July 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8.

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.