Heat — Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

2023-07-12 · Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot temperatures 3 to 5 degrees above normal and near 100 degrees caused the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached in the Altar Valley of Pima County and in Santa Cruz County on July 12. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined heat to be the primary cause of death for one individual found in the desert 5 miles east of Arivaca.

Wider weather episode

Strong high pressure continued to create hot temperatures 3 to 5 degrees above normal July 9-13 in parts of southeast Arizona and caused the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached. A total of 18 heat-related fatalities were reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1126088. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.