Heat — Upper San Pedro River Valley, Arizona

2023-08-16 · Upper San Pedro River Valley, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot temperatures 4 to 7 degrees above normal, in the upper 90s, caused the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached across southern Cochise County. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined that heat was the primary cause of death for one individual found in the desert near the International Border.

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 1138787. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.