Excessive Heat — Western Pima County, Arizona

2020-08-24 to 2020-08-27 · Western Pima County, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot temperatures 9 to 12 degrees above normal occurred in the lower elevations of southeast Arizona, causing the High Heat Risk category to be reached August 24 through August 27. Record high temperatures were tied or set at most locations on multiple days during the period. The hottest record temperatures during this stretch were 115 degrees at Ajo on August 25; 113 at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on August 25; 111 at Picacho on the 24th; 110 at Sells on the 24th; and 107 at Tucson International Airport on the 25th. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for four males on August 25th, one on Ironwood National Forest grounds west of Avra Valley, one just west of there near Queen's Well on the Tohono O'odham Nation, and two near Ajo.

Wider weather episode

Very hot temperatures were experienced in the lower deserts of southeast Arizona from August 24th-27th. 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 males in Pima County during the period.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 919176. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.