Excessive Heat in Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

Hot temperatures 7 to 12 degrees above normal were experienced in the Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys July 8 through July 11 causing the Major Heat Risk category to be reached. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary factor in the death of one individual on July 9 in the Rio Rico area.

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.