Record heat accompanies new weather service office opening

Darren McCollum, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Tucson office, said the heat wave came as a result of air trapped in a high pressure system, and set temperature records in Douglas, Organ Pipe, Safford, Tombstone, and Willcox.

The temperature in Tombstone rose to 86 degrees Thursday, breaking a record that has stood since 1916.

Tucson tied heat records Thursday and Friday with temperatures of 92 and 90 degrees, respectively.

No records were set yesterday, and McCollum said the high pressure system has dissipated and cooler temperatures are expected this week.

But he said similarly high temperatures will return to the area by the end of the week.

Marv Shogren, meteorologist in charge of the Weather Service's Tucson office, said about 190 people were at Friday's dedication.

Close to 300 people toured the National Weather Service's offices throughout the day, he said.

Shogren said he is excited to be so close to the University of Arizona science departments, and he feels that collaboration with UA departments would help improve the Weather Service.

The Environmental and Natural Resources building, at the corner of East Sixth Street and North Park Avenue, is the first of a four-building complex the UA plans to build in the area.

The ENR building, which is home to the National Weather Service and the United States Geological Survey, was paid for by an $11 million congressional appropriation.