Summer has officially begun, and in some places across the U.S. temperatures are reaching record highs. In the hottest areas of the country, temperatures are even reaching dangerous levels.
This weekend, Death Valley National Park issued a warning that the temperature measured in Death Valley on Saturday may have reached 127 degrees Fahrenheit . Today, the National Park Service announced that a temperature of 129 degrees was recorded by an official weather station on Sunday, June 30. The temperature broke the previous June 30 record of 128 degrees measured in 1994.
Death Valley National Park, through its Facebook page, warned tourists that such temperatures could potentially lead to heat stroke or death. A few of their tips for enduring the heat include staying inside cars (which should be in thoroughly checked before a trip to Death Valley), avoiding hiking, and, of course, drinking plenty of water. The park recommends at leas 4 quarts of water per day per person.
Death Valley National Park1 day ago
Death Valley NP is experiencing excessive heat this weekend. These extreme temperatures can have very serious consequences – including hospitalization and potentially death. It is because of this the park stresses with visitors the need to be prepared. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are very serious conditions. • Limit your time outdoors—do most of your sightseeing from inside the car. • Drink lots of water—4 quarts per day per person. Carry plenty of extra drinking water in your car. Avoid alcoholic & caffeinated beverages. • Be sure your car is in good working order. In very warm temperatures, stick to paved roads. • Heat & Dehydration: If you feel dizzy, nauseous or get a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink plenty of water. Dampen clothing to lower your body temperature. Don’t get too much sun: Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat. • Hiking: Temperatures are expected to be high even at higher elevations this weekend—we strongly recommend you do not hike in these extreme temperatures. • In Case of Emergency: Call 911. Cell phones may not work in many parts of the park. Do not depend on them. • Slow down: Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities. • Dress for summer: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. • Eat light: Foods, like meat and other proteins that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss. (nm) Photograph of yesterday’s temperature: 6/29/2013
Powered by socialditto(image) ·
The park service also recently demonstrated the excessive heat by releasing a video of an egg being fried using nothing but the ambient heat in the valley. Though an early attempt was thwarted by the dry air, a covered egg fried up just fine:
