Death Valley is about to get even more dangerous.
A California national park could break its record as the hottest place in the world early next week as a dangerous heat wave grips the state.
Temperatures in the aptly named park could soar past a scorching 130 degrees Fahrenheit, eerily poised to surpass the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth – a record set in Death Valley more than 100 years ago.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the hottest period on record is most likely to arrive on Monday or Tuesday of next week.
“The probability is about 25%. [of hitting or passing 130] “These last two days,” forecaster Brian Plants said. He told SFGATE.
The state of New South Wales has issued extreme heat warnings this week, highlighting that average daytime temperatures will reach triple digits for several days.
Temperatures are expected to reach 127 degrees in Death Valley on Monday, Plantz said, but if the ridge of high pressure driving this heat wave lines up perfectly over the park, temperatures could top 130 degrees.
The scorching temperatures have led park officials to warn visitors to avoid hiking in Death Valley, which is notorious for its heat and poor cell phone reception.
In its warning, the National Park Service warned daredevils to “travel prepared to survive,” especially as help is rarely available in such dangerous conditions.
When Death Valley’s average summer temperature exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit, rescue helicopters stop coming to rescue stranded hikers.
“I’m sure this is shocking information to most people, but helicopters won’t come when it’s over 120 degrees outside. Warm air doesn’t have as much lift as cold air, so helicopters have less lift in extreme temperatures. Other than telling people, ‘it’s hot outside,’ this appears to be the most effective thing we can do,” a Death Valley National Park spokesperson said. He told Vox last month.
People planning to go to the parks are advised to stay indoors, especially in areas with air conditioning, as even touching a hot surface, like the valley floor, can cause severe burns.
Extreme heat can be deadly: at such temperatures, the human body loses the ability to properly cool itself down through sweating.
Prolonged exposure can raise core body temperature to dangerous levels, potentially causing organ failure.
