Excessive Heat — Northwest Valley, Arizona

2022-09-03 to 2022-09-07 · Northwest Valley, Arizona

Wider weather episode

An anomalously strong ridge of high pressure, with 500 mb heights around 594 dm, was parked over the western CONUS for the start of September. This resulted in well above normal temperatures as well as excessive heat conditions at times. Temperatures during this time in Phoenix officially peaked at 110 degrees on the 6th, while daily highs leading up to the 6th were around 108-109 degrees. Overnight temperatures during this time provided little relief from the heat as morning low temperatures only bottomed out in the upper 80s. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 25 heat-associated fatalities occurred during this time. One of these fatalities was that of a hiker who died due to the heat after hiking Spur Cross Trail near Cave Creek.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1149239. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.