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

2024-09-30 · Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot temperatures about 12 degrees above normal were experienced in Nogales on September 30, causing the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached. Nogales International Airport topped out at 99 degrees on September 30. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary factor in the death in one individual.

Wider weather episode

Hot temperatures 12 to 16 degrees above normal were experienced across much of southeast Arizona September 26-30 causing record temperatures. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two individuals, one in Tucson and one in Nogales. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat contributed in the death for two other individuals in Tucson.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1218663. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.