Heat — Coachella Valley, California

2012-05-12 · Coachella Valley, California

Event narrative

An 86 year old male was hospitalized for a heat-related illness on May 12th near Mecca in the Salton Sea desert area of the Coachella Valley. The Riverside County Health Department confirmed his death on May 18 as heat-related. No mental issues were noted.

Wider weather episode

High pressure was in place over the region from the 11th through the 14th, creating a warming trend with inland temperatures 5 to 15 degrees above normal for that time of year. Temperatures in the lower deserts ranged from 97 up to 105 during these few days. A heat-related death was reported and confirmed due to this event.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 385546. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.