Excessive Heat — Western Pima County, Arizona

2023-08-01 to 2023-08-03 · Western Pima County, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot temperatures up to 10 degrees above normal caused the Major Heat Risk category to be reached across western Pima County and southern Pinal County August 4-6. A record high of 107 degrees occurred at San Manuel on August 5. Other high temperatures included 112 at Ajo on August 4 and 5; 110 at Picacho Peak on all three days; and 109 at Ajo on August 4.

Wider weather episode

High pressure aloft strengthened over Arizona and created a period of very hot temperatures August 4-6 across southeast Arizona. High temperatures were 8 to 13 degrees above normal causing the Major Heat Risk category to be reached and numerous high temperature records to be established. A total of nine heat-related fatalities were reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1134751. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.