Excessive Heat — Deer Valley, Arizona

2023-08-04 · Deer Valley, Arizona

Event narrative

A 34-year-old woman went hiking at the Deem Hills Recreation Area around 0830MST when temperatures were in the low 90s, according to a nearby observation. She was then reported missing around noon after failing to return from her hike. Midday temperatures in the area were around 100-105 degrees. Family and friends searched for the missing hiker with firefighters and police. Her body was later discovered around 1700MST in a remote area near a trail. According to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, heat was a contributing factor in the hiker's death.

Wider weather episode

A strong ridge of high pressure over the Southern Plains expanded westward into the Desert Southwest, leading to excessive heat conditions across the region. Record high temperatures were set on the 5th (116 degrees) and the 6th (114 degrees) in Phoenix, while record warm low temperatures were set on the 2nd (93 degrees), 3rd (92 degrees), and 7th (91 degrees). According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, there were a total of 55 heat-associated fatalities during this heat event. One of the heat fatalities that occurred during this time include a 34-year-old woman who went hiking at Deem Hills Recreation Area during the morning of the 4th but was later found deceased in a remote area near a trail. Additionally, two heat-associated fatalities occurred in La Paz County during this time.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1217370. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.