Located on the border between central California and Nevada, Death Valley National Park has for centuries attracted adventurers looking to experience some of the hottest temperatures on the planet. Daily high temperatures during the summer months are 45 °C (113 °F), while the 56.7 °C (134 °F) recorded in July 1913 remains the highest temperature ever recorded.
But as climate change has altered predictable patterns, certain times of the year have become even more extreme. Throughout July, there were several weeks of uninterrupted days when the daily temperature was at or above 125°F (51.7°C) instead of the average 113°F (45°C) that is typical for that time of year.
Related: Same mistake nearly cost national park visitors their lives
Rising heat has, in turn, created dangerous and in some cases even fatal conditions for those who flock to Death Valley. In July, park officials were unable to rescue a motorcyclist who became lost due to heat illness, while a father and daughter hiking suffered a similar fate after running out of water in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park.
A more recent incident took place in Death Valley when Peter Hayes Robino, 57, began feeling dizzy after returning from a hike in the heat and accidentally drove his car off an embankment at the Natural Bridge Trailhead on August 1.
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“National Park Service EMTs performed CPR and quickly transported Robino to the air-conditioned ambulance,” a National Park Service news release reads. “He was pronounced dead at 4:42 p.m.”
Additional notes from the incident indicate that Robino was suffering from common symptoms of heat stroke, including confusion, irritability and lack of coordination. Some park visitors noticed him walking in a confused manner and offered to help, but Robino insisted he was fine before walking to his car.
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Reminder not to underestimate the dangers of extreme heat
“My deepest condolences go out to Mr. Robino's family and friends,” Death Valley Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds said in an additional statement. “His death serves as a reminder that the dangers of extreme heat should not be underestimated.”
In most cases occurring in Death Valley and other national parks located in the southernmost areas of the country, heat-related incidents of death or injury occur when park visitors underestimate how hot it is on a given day before embarking on a long trip.
The National Park Service recommends carrying a quart of water for every hour of hiking, and even more if hiking in extreme heat. Even when well hydrated, being outdoors in particularly remote areas can be extremely dangerous, as staff may be slow to respond to an emergency.
After a power plant supplying air conditioning to several Death Valley offices broke down in July, staff who would normally have staffed certain areas were temporarily relocated.
“Hiking in extreme heat can result in serious health risks, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and death,” the National Park Service wrote in a recent warning. “Please note that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staffing, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flight capacity during periods of extreme heat or severe weather.”
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