Heat — Tohono O Odham Nation, Arizona

2021-09-14 · Tohono O Odham Nation, Arizona

Event narrative

Hot temperatures 3 to 5 degrees above normal, around 105 degrees, were experienced across the western and central Pima County causing the Moderate Heat Risk category to be reached on September 14. The Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for two males found in the desert, one on the eastern edge of the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and another on the Tohono O'odham Nation northwest of Kohatk.

Wider weather episode

Very hot temperatures were experienced west and south of Tucson September 11 through 14. The hottest two days were the 12th and 13th when high temperatures fell just shy of records across much of Pima County and topped out between 104 and 109 degrees. During the four day period, the Pima County Medical Examiner confirmed that heat was the primary cause of death for seven individuals found in the desert, one at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, five on the Tohono O'odham Nation, and one in Santa Cruz County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 986809. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.