Excessive Heat in Western Pima County, Arizona

Very hot temperatures of 5 to 12 degrees above normal caused the Major Heat Risk category to be reached across western Pima County July 14-29. Record highs at Ajo included 118 degrees on July 25; 117 on July 21 and 22; 116 on July 18 and 19; 115 on July 14, 24 and 29; and 114 on the 15th. Record highs at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument were 114 degrees on July 20 and 23; and 112 on July 18, 19, 24 and 25. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined that heat was the primary cause of death for two individuals found in the desert at Organ Pipe Cactus NM on July 15 and 18 and another at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge July 29. Heat was determined to be a contributing factor for one individual found in a driveway in Ajo on July 28. A complicating factor in the fatality was alcohol and drug intoxication.

Persistent strong high pressure aloft created an extended period of very hot temperatures July 14-30 across southeast Arizona. High temperatures were 5 to 14 degrees above normal causing the Major Heat Risk category to be reached and numerous high temperatures to be established. Several dozen heat-related fatalities were reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner.