Excessive Heat in Tonto Basin, Arizona

A strong ridge of high pressure built in across the Southwest heading into the middle part of June, bringing excessive heat conditions to the region. High temperatures in Phoenix officially approached or exceeded 110 degrees between June 8-12th, which is well above the seasonal normal. The hottest temperature during this timeframe occurred on the 11th when the high temperature at Phoenix Sky Harbor peaked at 114 degrees. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 36 heat-associated fatalities occurred during this event.