Death Valley records "hottest summer in history" bringing multiple life-threatening incidents – and it's not over yet

If it seems like you read about more heat-related incidents at Death Valley National Park than ever this summer, that's because you probably did. Officials at the National Park have announced that his meteorological summer – June through August – was their hottest in history.

The record-breaking season brought an average 24-hour temperature of 104.5°F (40.3°C), surpassing the previous record of 104.2°F (40.1°C), set in both 2021 and 2018. According to the official news release, July 7 saw the highest temperature with the mercury reaching 129.2°F (54°C) and that month had only seven days in total where temperatures did not reach 120°F (48.9°C).

Desert environments are typically known for their extremes, meaning hot days and cold nights, but this summer saw little relief after sunset, with an average low temperature of 91.9°F (33.3°C). Over the three months, the temperature only dipped below 80°F five times, and there were nine nights when it never fell below 100°F.

All of this spelled a busy summer for emergency crews and mountain rescue teams, who performed multiple missions in the California park. A motorcyclist died of hyperthermia in the park in early July and later that month another man suffered full-thickness burns on his feet while hiking in the sand dunes. In August, a dehydrated hiker required evacuation despite bringing nine liters of water .

If you've been waiting for cooler weather, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Today, the valley remains under an excessive heat warning with projected highs between 97°F and 112°F all week. If you are visiting Death Valley, observe the following safety precautions:

• Check the weather forecast before going out using a reliable weather app
• Carry several water bottles or a large hydration bladder and drink plenty of water
• Save strenuous activities for the early morning or evening
• Stay out of the sun, and in an air-conditioned place
• If you have to spend time outside, take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places
• Wear clothing that is lightweight and loose-fitting

If you go hiking – or do any vigorous activity – outdoors during hot weather your body has a built-in cooling mechanism: sweating. However, in extreme heat, your body may be unable to keep up with demand and you'll soon become dehydrated .

If your sweating mechanism fails, your body may be unable to cool itself and if you don’t take immediate action, you could be at risk for heat-related conditions such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke , the latter of which can result in death. Learn more in our article on how hot is too hot to hike .

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