Excessive Heat — Tohono O Odham Nation, Arizona

2023-09-09 to 2023-09-10 · Tohono O Odham Nation, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees above normal caused the Major Heat Risk category to be reached across the Tohono O'odham Nation September 9-10. Record highs at Sells were 110 and 109 degrees, respectively. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined that heat was the primary cause of death for three individuals found in the desert on the 9th in the Santa Rosa, Topawa and San Ignacio areas.

Wider weather episode

Very hot temperatures were observed across southeast Arizona September 9 and 10. High temperatures were 10 to 14 degrees above normal causing the Major Heat Risk categories to be reached. A total of four heat-related fatalities were reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1141660. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.