Heat — Western Pima County, Arizona

2023-10-16 · Western Pima County, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot temperatures 11 to 14 degrees above normal caused the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached in western Pima County where temperatures topped out between 100 and 105 degrees. A record high temperature of 103 degrees occurred at Ajo. The Pima County Medical Examiner determined heat to be the primary cause of death for one individual found in the desert west of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

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 1143683. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.