Heat in Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys, Arizona

Hot temperatures about 4 to 8 degrees above normal were experienced in the Upper Gila River Valley on July 10 through July 12, causing the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached. The County Medical Examiner Office reported two deaths, both with the primary cause as heat in Safford and Pima during this time period.

Hot temperatures typically 7 to 11 degrees above normal were experienced across southeast Arizona July 8-12. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two individuals found in the desert, eight in the Tucson area, two in the Safford area and another in Rio Rico. Heat was determined to be a contributing factor in the death of twelve individuals in the Tucson area and another near Sells.