Motorcyclist dies of suspected heat exposure in Death Valley, as Las Vegas hits its all-time temperature record

In tragic news, a visitor to Death Valley National Park succumbed to heat exposure on Sunday, while another individual was hospitalized as temperatures soared to 128 degrees Fahrenheit (53.3 C) in eastern California. The deceased and the hospitalized person were part of a group of six motorcyclists riding through the scorching Badwater Basin area. The park superintendent, Mike Reynolds, emphasized the serious health risks posed by such extreme heat, especially for motorcyclists wearing heavy safety gear. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning, its highest alert, affecting approximately 36 million people, or about 10% of the U.S. population. Across the country, a long-running heat wave shattered temperature records, with areas in northern California surpassing 110F (43.3C) and Phoenix setting a new daily record for the warmest low temperature at 92F (33.3C). The oppressive heatwave extended to Oregon, where multiple records were broken, including in Salem, which hit 103F (39.4C). In Nevada, temperatures soared, with Mount Charleston outside Las Vegas reaching a record high of 119F (48.3C). The extreme heatwave also impacted higher elevations, with rare heat advisories issued around Lake Tahoe. Meanwhile, on the east coast, temperatures above 100F were widespread, and Hurricane Beryl was forecasted to strengthen and make landfall in east Texas. The scorching conditions prompted many to seek relief at water parks and other cool locations. As the heatwave continues to grip the nation, authorities urge the public to take precautions and stay hydrated to avoid heat-related illnesses. The tragic incident in Death Valley serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme temperatures, emphasizing the importance of staying safe and cool during this unprecedented heatwave sweeping across the United States.