DEATH VALLEY, California—Death Valley National Park, California, experienced its hottest month on record this July, with an average 24-hour temperature of 108.5°F (42.5°C). This beat 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 and regular staying in the high 90s and low 100s. The average low temperature of 95.2°F (35.1°C) meant 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 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. 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.”
– Superintendent Mike Reynolds
Park rangers urge summer travelers to Death Valley National Park 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.
