LOS ANGELES — A persistent and record-breaking heat wave continued to scorch various parts of the U.S., causing dangerous temperatures and even deaths. On Sunday, this heat wave claimed the life of a motorcyclist in Death Valley and created oppressive conditions in both the West and the East.
An excessive heat warning, the highest alert issued by the National Weather Service, was in effect, impacting around 36 million people, about 10% of the U.S. population, according to meteorologist Bryan Jackson. Numerous locations in the West and Pacific Northwest experienced record-breaking temperatures.
In Northern California, several areas saw temperatures soar above 110 degrees, with Redding reaching a record 119 degrees. Phoenix set a new high for the warmest low temperature on record for that day, with the temperature never dropping below 92 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dangerous heat conditions were also recorded in Death Valley National Park in eastern California, where temperatures reached 128 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday. The extreme heat led to the death of a motorcyclist and hospitalized another rider from a group of six traveling through the Badwater Basin area. Emergency medical helicopters could not respond due to the intense heat, as they are generally unable to operate safely above 120 degrees.
Officials emphasized the cumulative nature of heat illnesses, warning that they can build up over several days of exposure.
Despite the alarming temperatures, some visitors embraced the extreme conditions. Chris Kinsel from Las Vegas, a frequent winter visitor to Death Valley, fulfilled his dream of experiencing the park during the summer. He planned to take a photo next to the park’s visitor center digital temperature display.
In Nevada, residents like Natasha Ivory and her family sought relief at water parks in Mount Charleston, which set a record high of 120 degrees on Sunday. Jill Workman Anderson and her dog enjoyed a cooler hike in the same area, which was notably 30 degrees cooler than northwest Las Vegas.
Oregon also battled triple-digit temperatures, with several records falling. Salem hit 103 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 99 set in 1960. On the East Coast, temperatures above 100 degrees were common, prompting advisories to stay hydrated and cool.
Records were broken across the Southwest, with heat advisories extending into higher elevations including areas around Lake Tahoe. The weather service warned of “major heat risk impacts” even at these higher altitudes. More extreme highs are forecasted, with temperatures possibly reaching 130 degrees at Furnace Creek, California, in Death Valley later in the week.
In Phoenix’s Maricopa County, at least 13 heat-related deaths have been confirmed this year, with more than 160 additional deaths under investigation. This count excludes a 10-year-old boy who died last week from a heat-related incident while hiking.
In California, wildfires exacerbated by low humidity and high temperatures continued to ravage the state. The Lake Fire in Santa Barbara County had burned over 25 square miles of dry terrain and remained uncontained as of Sunday, leading to evacuation orders for some rural homes.
This heat wave has brought unprecedented challenges, making it essential for residents to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant.