Heat — Eastern Cochise County Below 5000 Feet, Arizona

2023-07-02 · Eastern Cochise County Below 5000 Feet, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot temperatures 3 to 5 degrees above normal caused the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached on July 2 in eastern Cochise County. Both Willcox and the Bisbee-Douglas Airport topped out at 102 degrees. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined that heat was the primary cause of death for one individual found in the desert near the International Border 20 miles east of Douglas.

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 1126054. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.