Heat — Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

2020-08-17 · Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot and above normal temperatures around 100 degrees occurred in parts of Santa Cruz County causing the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached on August 17. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one adult male near Patagonia.

Wider weather episode

An extended period of very hot temperatures were experienced in southeast Arizona from August 13th-19th. Many locations approached or exceeded 110 degrees and set new daily record high temperatures. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for four adult males during the period, two each in Pima and Santa Cruz counties.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 919158. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.