Excessive Heat — Deer Valley, Arizona

2023-08-04 · Deer Valley, Arizona

Event narrative

A 34-year-old woman went hiking at the Deem Hills Recreation Area around 0830MST when temperatures were in the low 90s, according to a nearby observation. She was then reported missing around noon after failing to return from her hike. Midday temperatures in the area were around 100-105 degrees. Family and friends searched for the missing hiker with firefighters and police. Her body was later discovered around 1700MST in a remote area near a trail. According to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, heat was a contributing factor in the hiker's death.

Wider weather episode

A strong, elongated upper level ridge situated across the Desert Southwest and the Southern Plains, leading to well above normal temperatures and excessive heat conditions. The official temperature in Phoenix peaked at 115 degrees during the afternoon on the 4th. According to local media reports, a 34-year-old woman went hiking at the Deem Hills Recreation Area during the morning of the 4th. She was later reported missing around midday after failing to return from her hike after several hours. Her body was discovered in a remote area near a trail during the early evening hours. The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner determined that heat was a contributing factor in the hiker's death.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1132825. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.