News Release
NPS
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Daniel Berc
Contact: Abby Wines
Contact: Matthew Lamar
DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park experienced the hottest month on record this July, with a with an average 24-hour temperature of 108.5°F (42.5°C). This beats the park’s previous record of 108.1°F (42.3°C) set in 2018.
The average high temperature during the record-breaking month was a sweltering 121.9°F (49.9°C) with the park experiencing nine days 125°F (51.7°C) or greater and only seven days that didn’t reach 120°F. The highest temperature came on July 7 when the weather station at Furnace Creek recorded 129.2°F (54°C).
High temperatures only tell half the story with overnight lows regularly staying in the high 90’s and low 100’s. The average low temperature of 95.2°F (35.1°C) meant that there was little relief overnight.
Park rangers responded to multiple life-threatening heat-related incidents in July including one fatality where heat was a factor and another incident where a man had to be rescued from sand dunes after losing his flip flops and experiencing second degree burns.
“We just experienced the hottest month in history in the hottest place on Earth! Six of the 10 hottest summers have come in the past 10 years, which should serve as a wake up call,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “Record-breaking months like this one could become the norm as we continue to see global temperatures rise. Visitors to the park should plan ahead and come prepared to face extreme temperatures during the summer months.”
Park rangers urge summer travelers to Death Valley National Park to stay within a 10 minute walk of an air conditioned vehicle, to drink plenty of water, east salty snacks, and to wear a hat and sunscreen.
Tags:
heat
Last updated: August 3, 2024