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

2020-09-04 · Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot temperatures 12 to 14 degrees above normal occurred in southeast Pima County and Santa Cruz County, causing the High Heat Risk category to be reached September 4. Record high temperatures were set at Sasabe (105) and Nogales Airport (104). The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one male near Keystone Peak about 10 miles west of Green Valley.

Wider weather episode

Very hot temperatures were experienced in the lower elevations of southeast Arizona from September 4th-7th. 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 five individuals found in the desert in Pima and Cochise counties during the period.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 919384. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.