The intense California heatwave has resulted in a fatality at Death Valley National Park. The incident occurred on Saturday when temperatures soared to a scorching 128 degrees Fahrenheit, tying the park’s daily record set in 2007.
A group of six motorcyclists were riding near Badwater Basin when it happened. One visitor succumbed to the extreme heat, while another was rushed to Las Vegas for treatment of severe heat-related illness. The remaining four were treated on-site and released.
Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds emphasized the dangers of such extreme temperatures, stating,
“High heat like this can pose real threats to your health.” He urged visitors to “choose their activities carefully, avoiding prolonged periods of time outside of an air-conditioned vehicle or building when temperatures are this high.”
The heatwave’s impact extended far beyond Death Valley, with numerous California cities experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Palm Springs shattered its all-time high, reaching 123 degrees. In Northern California, Sacramento hit 113 degrees, obliterating its previous record of 105 set in 1989.
The Bay Area wasn’t spared, with Livermore reaching a sweltering 111 degrees. Even typically cooler coastal areas felt the heat’s grip, with Oakland recording 82 degrees, surpassing its 1981 record.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through Wednesday, predicting temperatures ranging from the upper 90s to 105 degrees across various regions. Their Bay Area office warned,
“An exceptionally dangerous situation continues to unfold,” adding that the event’s “scale, magnitude, and longevity will likely rival anything we’ve seen in the last 18 years.”
Residents are strongly advised to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and limit outdoor activities. Especially those experiencing the California heatwave.