Heat — Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

2023-10-16 · Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot temperatures 7 to 15 degrees above normal caused the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached in Santa Cruz County where temperatures below 5000 feet topped out in the 90s. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined heat to be the primary cause of death for two individuals found in the desert; one near Amado and another north of Patagonia.

Wider weather episode

Hot temperatures 7 to 15 degrees above normal caused the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached in parts of southeast Arizona. A record high temperature of 101 degrees occurred on the 16th at the Tucson International Airport. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined heat to be the primary cause of death for three individuals found in the desert: two in Santa Cruz County and a third in far southwest Pima County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1143681. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.