DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park experienced the hottest month on record this July with an average 24-hour temperature of 108.5°F (42.5°C). This beats the park’s previous record of 108.1°F (42.3°C) set in 2018.
The average high temperature during the record-breaking month was a sweltering 121.9°F (49.9°C) with the park experiencing nine days 125°F (51.7°C) or greater and only seven days that didn’t reach 120°F. The highest temperature came on July 7 when the weather station at Furnace Creek recorded 129.2°F (54°C).
High temperatures only tell half the story, with overnight lows regularly staying in the high 90’s and low 100’s. The average low temperature of 95.2°F (35.1°C) meant that there was little relief overnight.
Park rangers responded to multiple life-threatening heat-related incidents in July including one fatality where heat was a factor and another incident where a man had to be rescued from sand dunes after losing his flip flops and experiencing second degree burns.
“We just experienced the hottest month in history in the hottest place on Earth! Six of the 10 hottest summers have come in the past 10 years, which should serve as a wake up call,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “Record-breaking months like this one could become the norm as we continue to see global temperatures rise. Visitors to the park should plan ahead and come prepared to face extreme temperatures during the summer months.”
Park rangers urge summer travelers to Death Valley National Park to stay within a 10-minute walk of an air conditioned vehicle, to drink plenty of water, east salty snacks, and to wear a hat and sunscreen.
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“Hottest July in History”, is that in the history of July which dates back to Julius Caesar 44 BC? Or does Ranger Mike mean its the hottest July in the history of the naming of Death Valley which dates back only 30 years, 1994. Perhaps Ranger Mike’s means the history of the geographic area 1,700,000,000 years or is Ranger Mike more certain only about “hottest July in the history of the current Death Valley geiographic area”, referring only since the shallow sea dried up 500,000,000 years ago. I am so confused on this climate science. “Hottest July in History”….. maybe Ranger Mike just means the history of his employment at Death Valley. It’s anyone’s guess, I guess.
Couldn’t have said it any better! 👍
My thoughts precisely. I guess we will just have to wait around and see where history may take us next. Remember: “history” is just that: “his story”.
Spot on, Cancel! Well said. It’s been a hot summer this year. That’s that.
I wonder how that guy lost his flip-flops . . .
Death Valley was designated a National Monument in 1933 and had its name prior to that. The best estimate is it got its name in 1849-1850. Here’s a link for reference: https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/historyculture/the-lost-49ers.htm
Modern record keeping obviously didn’t exist until modern instruments but record keeping at Furnace Creek goes back to 1912. Here’s a link for your reference: https://www.currentresults.com/Yearly-Weather/USA/CA/Death-Valley/extreme-annual-death-valley-high-temperature.php
The Ice Age is ending. Whether it’s the Earth tilting more on its axis, its orbit becoming less elliptical or Uncle Ned’s Buick pumping out hydrocarbons, the climate is changing.
No doubt Vince, I could have clarified my 1994 date better. DV officially became a national park in 1994. On the rest, thank you for reinforcing my general statements by providing the additional time line points for reference. The 2nd link has 1913 at 57 degrees Celsius for a high. Highest in fact. Good info.
Uncle Ned: I am of the opinion, based on the science I subscribe to, that we really need a higher level of CO2 in our atmosphere. Our current level ppm CO2 as a “Planet”, compared to historic levels, (20mm- 60mm years ago), is dangerously low.
On the Axis and Orbit changes…. way above human condition or control. Part of God’s design is my guess.
Safe travels. 🚍✌️
Thank you, RV Travel! 😉 Well. …. Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Some people don’t have common sense to not wear flip flops in certain conditions. When I go up to my campsite/property. I would tell my wife not to wear open shoes such as sandals. What did she wear the other day, sandals. I have a hard time understanding how some people can be so smart, but not have common sense not to wear open toed footwear in the woods.