Excessive Heat — Western Pima County, Arizona

2024-06-26 to 2024-06-27 · Western Pima County, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot temperatures 6 to 9 degrees above normal were experienced in western Pima County and the Tohono O'odham Nation June 26-27, causing the Major Heat Risk category to be reached. Ajo topped out at 108 and 109 degrees on June 26 and 27 with a low temperature of 85 degrees. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary factor in the death of three individuals found in the desert near Ajo. Two of those were on June 26 and the other on June 27.

Wider weather episode

Hot temperatures typically 3 to 8 degrees above normal were experienced across southeast Arizona June 22-27. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for eight individuals found in the desert, one in Tucson and another in the Saddlebrooke area. Heat was determined to be a contributing factor in the death of two individuals, one in Tucson and the other in Cochise County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1179615. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.