Excessive Heat — Apache Junction/Gold Canyon, Arizona
July 23, 2018 · NOAA Storm Events record
Event narrative (NOAA)
Very strong high pressure aloft developed over the southern deserts of Arizona beginning on July 23rd and this continued through July 25th, resulting in excessive heat across the lower deserts. The hotter lower deserts reached or exceeded 115 degrees each day which tied and broke records during the 3 day period. Phoenix reached 116 degrees on both the 24th and 25th; both marks tied or broke daily records. Low temperatures remained in the upper 80s to low 90s each morning resulting in very dangerous conditions especially for those spending time outdoors during the heat of the day. The presence of excessive heat was confirmed via locally derived heat risk data. Unfortunately, the excessive heat led to a fatality; a man was found dead in the open desert at 1605MST on July 24th. He was located
Other notable excessive heat events in Arizona
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.