California is bracing for an intense heat wave set to engulf the state through July 4th weekend, with Death Valley National Park expected to bear the brunt of extreme temperatures.
Known for its scorching conditions, Death Valley may approach record highs, including the recognized global high of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Brian Planz from the National Weather Service’s Las Vegas office indicated a 25% chance of hitting 130 degrees early next week at Furnace Creek, the park’s official temperature gauge location. as reported by SFGATE.
“While hitting 130 might be a stretch, there’s always uncertainty in such predictions,” noted Daniel Swain, a UCLA climate scientist. “Regardless, temperatures nearing this mark are dangerously hot.”
Death Valley, famously dubbed the hottest place on Earth, lies below sea level amidst the Mojave Desert, where heat becomes trapped by surrounding mountains. The area’s extreme conditions have been known to cause third-degree burns from the scorching ground alone.
The World Meteorological Organization recognizes a record high of 134 degrees, set in 1913, though its reliability is debated. Modern measurements of 130 degrees, recorded in recent years, are considered the most reliable extremes by many meteorologists. told by AP News.
Jennette Jurado, a Death Valley National Park spokesperson, recounted experiencing the 130-degree heat in 2021, noting its intensity akin to opening a hot oven. She cautioned that temperatures above 120 degrees can cause rapid cellphone shutdowns and advised visitors to limit outdoor exposure.
As the heat wave intensifies, park officials urge precautionary measures such as hydration, early morning activities, and avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure, particularly as temperatures soar above 120 degrees.
