Excessive Heat — Baboquivari Mountains, Arizona

2023-08-27 to 2023-08-29 · Baboquivari Mountains, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot temperatures of 7 to 14 degrees above normal caused the Major Heat Risk category to be reached across southeast Pima County, south central Pinal County and the lower elevations of Santa Cruz County August 27-29. Record highs included 111 degrees at Picacho Peak; 108 at Sasabe; and 104 at the Nogales Airport, all on August 29. While not a record, Picacho Peak reached 112 degrees on the 28th. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined that heat was the primary cause of death for two individuals found in the desert of southeast Pima County (one on the 28th about 8 miles southwest of Three Points and one on the 29th just east of the Baboquivari Mountains at 3800 ft near Elkhorn Ranch).

Wider weather episode

High pressure aloft strengthened over Arizona and created a period of very hot temperatures August 25-30 across southeast Arizona. High temperatures were 6 to 14 degrees above normal causing the Moderate to Major Heat Risk categories to be reached and numerous high temperature records to be established. A total of eleven heat-related fatalities were reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1138848. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.