Extreme heat is bringing triple-digit temperatures across the U.S. this weekend. In some places, we could see record highs.
Weather and government officials are warning people to avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the days in places from California to Texas. That means many will have to scrap outdoor hiking plans and more.
Record Temperatures
In Death Valley National Park, one of the world’s hottest places, the high on Saturday and Sunday could hit 126 degrees Fahrenheit. The park set records in 2020 and 2021 when it went above 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The all-time high is still debatable, but many believe these are the hottest temperatures ever recorded. This weekend, they could be approaching those temperatures again.
Death Valley is not a popular summer destination, but officials still released an extreme heat warning. It reminds everyone to:
- Drink plenty of water and carry extra fluids
- Avoid hiking and do not hike after 10 AM
- Travel prepared to survive
- In the case of a heat-related illness, get to a cool place and seek help immediately
Unfortunately, extreme temperatures have proven deadly in U.S. National Parks this summer.
Staying Safe
Even if you’re not in the desert, visitors throughout the southern and western U.S. states should keep the temperature in mind this weekend. Even hours from the desert in California’s Yosemite National Park, temperatures should hit the high 90s, if not close to 100 degrees. Anyone spending time outside should not only drink but also eat salty snacks to avoid hyponatremia. The condition results in sickness and potentially death from too much water consumption without enough sodium in your blood.
Check out these additional tips to keep safe and learn the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
