Excessive Heat — South Central Pinal County, Arizona

2021-08-03 to 2021-08-04 · South Central Pinal County, Arizona

Event narrative

Very hot high temperatures of 104 to 115 degrees, or 8 to 12 degrees above normal, occurred in the lower deserts of Pima and Pinal counties August 3-4, and caused the High Heat Risk category to be reached. High temperatures on August 3 included 115 degrees at Ajo (record), 109 at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 108 at Sells, and 104 at Picacho. On August 4 highs included 115 degrees at Ajo (tie), 110 at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 109 at Sells (record), and 107 at Picacho. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for one person found in the desert near San Miguel.

Wider weather episode

Very hot temperatures were experienced in much of southeast Arizona on August 3 and 4 with high temperatures equaling or exceeding established records in a few locations, and approaching record levels in most others. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two males found in the desert in Pima County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 983887. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.