Excessive Heat — Gila River Valley, Arizona

2020-07-30 to 2020-07-31 · Gila River Valley, Arizona

Wider weather episode

Anomalously strong high pressure over the Southwest led to temperatures climbing at or above 115 degrees. Temperatures peaked in Phoenix on the 30th at 118 degrees, which ended up being the hottest day of the year. Record high temperatures were set in Phoenix on the 29th, 30th, and 31st. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, 26 heat-associated fatalities occurred with this heat wave. Excessive heat persisted into the beginning of August, leading to additional heat-associated fatalities.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 992880. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.