Death Valley Records Hottest Month Ever in July
The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth, experienced its hottest month on record in July, according to a report by The Guardian on August 3rd. NPS stated that the average 24-hour temperature in Death Valley reached 42.5°C in July, breaking the previous record of 42.2°C set in 2018.
Extreme Heat in Death Valley
Throughout July, the average high temperature in Death Valley was a scorching 49.9°C . NPS reported that the national park endured nine days with temperatures hitting 51.7°C or higher, and only seven days with temperatures below 48.8°C.
The highest temperature of the month was recorded on July 7th, when the Furnace Creek weather station registered an astonishing 54°C.
Alarming Heat Trends
“We’ve just experienced the hottest month in the hottest place on Earth. Over the past decade, Death Valley has seen six of the ten hottest summers on record, and this is a warning sign,” said park superintendent Mike Reynolds.
“Record-breaking hot months like July could become the new normal as global temperatures continue to rise. Visitors planning to come to the park should prepare for extreme heat during the summer months,” Reynolds added.
Heat-Related Incidents
The unbearable heat has led to several deadly incidents. On July 7th, a motorcyclist visiting the park died due to extreme weather, while another individual was hospitalized after temperatures soared to 53.3°C .
A few weeks later, a Belgian tourist suffered third-degree burns on his feet and required treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada, after losing his shoes while touring the park. At that time, the air temperature was 50.5°C with ground temperatures likely much higher.
Safety Measures for Visitors
Park management urges visitors to Death Valley to seek refuge in air-conditioned vehicles every 10 minutes when walking outside, drink plenty of water, eat salty snacks, and wear hats and sunglasses to protect themselves from the extreme heat.
