"Joking" Death Valley, many tourists had to flee

Death Valley covers an area of 13,848 km ² , stretching across the border of California and Nevada. Death Valley is considered the lowest, hottest and driest place on Earth - its name says it all.

Despite the brutal temperatures and forecasts for further rises as the US endures a record heat wave, tourists are still flocking to Death Valley National Park.

However, visitors currently only get a short drive to any location in Death Valley before returning to the preserve in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Sunset in Death Valley in California, USA. Photo: AP

Earlier this week, a German tourist took a photo in Death Valley next to a thermometer reading 48.8 degrees Celsius. "The temperature in Death Valley is so terrible, we cannot continue our tour," the German tourist told AP.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 54.4 degrees Celsius this weekend. The hottest temperature ever recorded in Death Valley was 56.6 degrees Celsius in July 1913.

To warn visitors of the danger, Death Valley officials have erected signs advising visitors to stay out after 10 a.m. Even so, nighttime temperatures can still reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Deadly heat,” a warning sign in Death Valley reads. Officials have also closed some trails that could pose a danger to visitors.

Many warnings of dangers for tourists when visiting Death Valley. Photo: AP

Death Valley is a narrow basin, below sea level but nestled between high, steep mountains. The dry air and low cover allow the sun to scorch the rocks and radiate intense heat. About four tourists have died while visiting this place so far this year.

"It feels like the sun is penetrating your skin and going into your bones," said one visitor. Despite being considered the "most dangerous place on the planet," Death Valley still attracts more than 1.1 million visitors each year.

Record heat in California and Nevada has forced the cancellation of many public events.

The Nevada Department of Health says seven people have died in the state since April 11 due to the extreme heat. Last year alone, there were 152 heat-related deaths.

This weekend, Central and Southern Californians will experience their hottest weather of the year, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures in the state’s desert regions could reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit (48.8 degrees Celsius) during the day.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/gion-mat-thung-lung-chet-nhieu-du-khach-phai-thao-chay-20230715110227157.htm