Excessive Heat — Southeast Pinal County, Arizona

2023-07-15 to 2023-07-29 · Southeast Pinal County, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot temperatures of 6 to 11 degrees above normal caused the Major Heat Risk category to be reached across south central and southeast Pinal County July 14-29. Record highs at Picacho Peak Ajo included 113 degrees July 19-21; and 112 on July 25. The hottest temperature was 114 degrees on the 26th. Record highs at San Manuel were 108 degrees on July 25; 107 on July 20 and 26; and 106 on July 15, 17-18, 21, and 27-28.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1127099. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.