DEATH VALLEY HEAT WAVE: Tourists Brave Extreme Temperatures in Death Valley National Park

The scorching heat wave hitting Death Valley National Park in California has not deterred tourists from visiting the region, with hundreds of Europeans and adventurers from across the U.S. still drawn to the desolate landscape. Despite the extreme temperatures, visitors have been seen taking photographs and exploring the unique terrain, with some even describing the experience as akin to walking on Mars.

The heat wave, which has been blamed for a motorcyclist’s death over the weekend, has also set record high temperatures in Oregon, leading to six deaths in the state. More than 161 million people across the U.S. are under heat alerts, particularly in Western states where temperatures continue to soar.

At Death Valley National Park, tourists have been queuing to take photos in front of a giant thermometer near the visitor center, which provides a more impressive reading for pictures than modern instruments. The park has issued warnings for visitors to stay safe in the extreme heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 120 F (48.9 C).

The global temperature in June was record warm for the 13th straight month, with the world experiencing prolonged heat due to human-caused climate change. In Death Valley, a visitor succumbed to heat exposure over the weekend, highlighting the dangers of the extreme environment.

The heat wave has also fueled wildfires in the West, with California firefighters battling at least 18 blazes, including a large fire in Santa Barbara County. The dry vegetation, combined with high heat and low humidity, has created volatile conditions for fire spread.

As the heat wave continues to set records, the National Weather Service has extended excessive heat warnings across the Southwest U.S. through Saturday morning. Despite the challenges posed by the extreme temperatures, visitors and residents alike are urged to take precautions and stay safe in the blistering heat.