Death Valley National Park is world-famous for scorching summer temperatures, but this year took the prize. With an average temperature of 104.5° Fahrenheit, this summer beat the previous record of 104.2° set in the summers of 2021 and 2018, according to the National Park Service.
July was the highlight of summer, as the park logged its hottest month ever. Nine consecutive days reached 125° or higher. There were only seven days when temperatures didn’t reach 120°. The highest temperature this summer was 129.2°F (54°C) on July 7.
Even the typically cooler desert nights did little to provide relief from the heat. The average low temperatures only dipped to 91.9°, with only five nights below 80°.
The heat has contributed to several fatalities and life-threatening situations. Two fatalities were reported by the park, along with multiple vehicle fires. In one instance, a man had to be rescued from sand dunes after losing his flip flops and experiencing second degree burns.
Park officials say the heat isn’t gone yet, and visitors should expect triple digit temps to continue into early October.
To stay safe in the heat, rangers advise tourists to stay within a 10-minute walk of an air-conditioned vehicle, drink plenty of water, eat salty snacks and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Death Valley isn’t the only place to experience record-breaking heat. The Climate Change Service recently announced 2024 was the hottest recorded summer on Earth.
