Excessive Heat — Western Pima County, Arizona

2023-08-16 · Western Pima County, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot temperatures 4 to 6 degrees above normal caused the Major Heat Risk category to be reached across western Pima County. The low temperature at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was 85 degrees and the high was 110. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined that heat was the primary cause of death for one individual found in the desert near Lukeville.

Wider weather episode

Very hot temperatures were observed across southeast Arizona August 16. Both high and low temperatures were 4 to 9 degrees above normal causing the Moderate to Major Heat Risk categories to be reached. A total of six heat-related fatalities were reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1138782. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.