California [US], August 4: The average 24-hour temperature in Death Valley rose to 107.5 degrees Fahrenheit (42.5 degrees Celsius) in July, breaking the previous record of 107.2 degrees Fahrenheit (42.2 degrees Celsius) in 2018, the NPS said.
In July, the average high temperature in Death Valley is 114.5 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the NPS, the US national park experienced nine days with temperatures of 122 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and only seven days when temperatures did not rise to at least 114.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
July 7 saw the highest temperature of the month, when the weather station in Furnace Creek recorded a temperature of 54 degrees Celsius here.
"We just had the hottest month on record in the hottest place on the planet. Over the past decade, this place has had six of the 10 hottest summers on record, and this is a red flag," said park manager Mike Reynolds.
"Record-breaking hot months like July could become the new normal as humanity continues to see rising temperatures across the globe. Visitors to the park should plan ahead and come prepared to face extreme temperatures during the summer months," Reynolds added.
The unbearable heat has led to several deadly incidents. On July 7, a motorcyclist visiting the park died from the extreme weather, while another was hospitalized after temperatures reached 53.3 degrees Celsius.
A few weeks later, a Belgian tourist suffered third-degree burns to his feet and was treated in Las Vegas, Nevada, after losing his sandals while visiting the park. The air temperature was 125 degrees Fahrenheit (50.5 degrees Celsius), and the ground temperature must have been much higher.
Park officials urge visitors to Death Valley to stay in an air-conditioned car for every 10 minutes of outdoor walking, drink plenty of water, eat salty snacks, wear a hat and sunglasses.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
