Excessive Heat in Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys, Arizona

Hot temperatures 7 to 10 degrees above normal were experienced in the Upper Gila River Valley July 8 through July 9 causing the Major Heat Risk category to be reached.

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.