The National Park Service has announced that Death Valley has experienced its hottest summer on record. From June to August, the average daily temperature was a scorching 40.3 degrees Celsius (104.5 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 40.1 degrees Celsius set in 2021.
July was the hottest month on record for the park. For nine consecutive days, temperatures didn't drop below 51.7 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit), and on only seven days did they fail to reach 48.9 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). The maximum temperature for the summer was recorded on July 7, reaching a blistering 54 degrees Celsius (129.2 degrees Fahrenheit), approaching the historical maximum.
The heat was also extreme at night in the park. For the entire summer, temperatures dipped below 27 degrees Celsius (80.6 degrees Fahrenheit) only five times. There were nine nights when the minimum temperature remained above 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
An extreme heat warning remains in effect for the park. Visitors are advised to limit their time outdoors, stay within walking distance of air-conditioned vehicles, drink plenty of water, and wear hats. The park service reported two heat-related deaths this summer.