The record-breaking summer was highlighted by July when the weather station at Furnace Creek recorded its hottest month ever. During this month, the park experienced nine consecutive days of 125°F (51.7°C) or higher, and only seven days in total where temperatures did not reach 120°F (48.9°C). The highest temperature this summer was 129.2°F (54°C) on July 7.
Overnight lows also played a significant role in the extreme heat. The average low temperature of 91.9°F (33.3°C) meant that there was little relief overnight. From June 1 to August 31, the temperature dipped below 80°F only five times, and there were nine days when overnight lows never fell below 100°F.
Park rangers responded to multiple life-threatening heat-related incidents during the summer including two fatalities where heat was a contributing factor . During another incident, a man had to be rescued from sand dunes after losing his flip flops and experiencing second degree burns.
Travelers heading to Death Valley National Park should expect triple digit temperatures to continue into early October. Visitors are advised 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.
Visitors experience the digital thermometer outside the Furance Creek Visitor Center
Credit: J Jurado/NPS
Source: NPS
