July 9th 2024.
As the scorching heatwave continues to grip California, hundreds of tourists are flocking to the infamous Death Valley, undeterred by the recent tragic death of a motorcyclist. Despite being one of the hottest places on Earth, visitors from all over the world, including France, Spain, England, Switzerland, and the US, are braving the extreme temperatures to see the barren landscape and capture some photos.
Even with the danger and warnings, tourists like Drew Belt from Mississippi are excited to experience the intense heat. Belt, who was on his way to climb Mount Whitney, described it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, almost like walking on Mars.
However, park superintendent Mike Reynolds warned visitors to take precautions in the extreme heat, stating that it can pose serious health threats. This comes after a motorcyclist lost his life due to heat exposure, while another rider was hospitalized with heat stroke. Emergency medical services were unable to respond due to aircraft restrictions in temperatures above 48.8C.
The Death Valley National Park is notorious for its record-breaking heat, with the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth being 134F in 1913. And with temperatures expected to reach as high as 54.4C throughout the week, Tracy Housley from Manchester, England, drove all the way from her hotel in Las Vegas to witness the historic event.
The extreme heatwave is not limited to Death Valley, as other parts of the US are also experiencing record-breaking temperatures. In Oregon, the heat is suspected to be the cause of four deaths, while more than 146 million people across the country are under heat alerts.
This early heatwave follows a global trend, with June marking the 13th consecutive month of record-high temperatures and the 12th month in a row where the world was 1.5C warmer than pre-industrial times, according to the European climate service Copernicus.
In Multnomah County, which includes Portland, four deaths have been linked to the heat. The victims were between the ages of 33 and 84, and the county medical examiner is investigating the cause of their deaths.
Despite the dangers and extreme temperatures, visitors continue to flock to Death Valley to experience the intense heat and unique environment. For Thomas Mrzliek from Basel, Switzerland, the triple-digit temperatures are impressive, almost like a wave hitting you as you step out of the car. He notes that although the heat is dry, it is still a stark contrast to what he is used to in Europe.
The heatwave has also caused concern for wildfires, as the dry vegetation in the West is at risk of catching fire. In Santa Barbara County, a wildfire has already spread to over 34 square miles and is being battled by more than 1000 firefighters. The fire has led to evacuation orders, including the former Neverland Ranch, once owned by the late Michael Jackson. So far, the fire is only 8% contained.
Despite the dangers and warnings, tourists and locals alike are determined to experience the extreme heat in Death Valley, making it a popular destination even in the midst of a heatwave.
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