A scorching heat wave with temperatures reaching triple digits has resulted in millions of Americans being placed under an excessive heat warning from the National Weather Service. This extreme heat has been linked to at least two recent deaths in national parks.
The most recent fatality occurred in Death Valley National Park, situated on the border of California and Nevada in the Mojave Desert. Over the Fourth of July weekend, the park recorded a high temperature of 128°F. It was reported that one motorcyclist died from heat exposure while visiting the park, and another was hospitalized in Las Vegas. The identities of the individuals have not been disclosed.
These motorcyclists were part of a group of six riding through the Badwater Basin area in the intense heat. The other four members of the group were treated on-site for heat-related illnesses.
The combination of heavy safety gear worn by motorcyclists and the unbearable heat made it difficult for them to cool down while riding through the park.
Due to the extreme temperatures, emergency medical helicopters were unable to respond as they cannot safely fly when the temperature is above 120°F.
Death Valley is known for being a “land of extremes,” being the driest place in North America and holding the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth, which was 134°F in July 1913. Some experts argue that the actual record was 130°F in 2021, a record that forecasters believe could be matched this week.
The park had issued warnings to visitors both in person and on its website about the extreme heat, advising them to avoid hiking after 10 a.m., dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and seek shade frequently.
Last week, a 69-year-old hiker died in Grand Canyon National Park after efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Park rangers cautioned against hiking in the inner canyon during daylight hours in the summer due to the extreme temperatures.
Copernicus, part of the European Union’s space program, reported that global temperatures have been setting record highs for 13 consecutive months.
Over the holiday weekend, heat records were broken on the West Coast, with Salem, Oregon, experiencing a historic high of 103°F and Las Vegas setting a record high of 120°F.
Most of the Western U.S., where many national parks are located, remained under excessive heat warnings on Monday. The heat wave extended from the West to the Southeast as it entered another week.
Even higher elevation areas like Lake Tahoe, shared by California and Nevada, received rare heat advisories.
The high temperatures present a unique danger to national parks, where visitors may be isolated and cellular service is often unavailable.
An analysis by a Los Angeles-based personal injury law firm found that the leading causes of death in national parks include drowning and vehicle crashes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised that heat-related illnesses can manifest in various symptoms. It’s essential to stay hydrated and seek help if experiencing dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, or a rapid pulse while outdoors in extreme heat.
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