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Death Valley Reaches 130 Degrees, Just Shy of Its Hottest Temperature Ever

People didn’t give Death Valley this welcoming name for its lush greenery and comfortable climate. The area is one of the hottest places on planet Earth. 

Although Death Valley, California currently holds the record for the hottest spot in the world, the valley wanted to get close to that number once again. Yesterday, July 9, the Eastern California desert hit a sweltering 130 degrees. Death Valley set the world record in 1913 at 134 degrees outside. 

It’s going to be a no for us. Give me some air conditioning and an ice bath, please. 

Heat Dome

However, if you live along the west coast, please prepare for the intolerable conditions. According to the Daily Mail, temperatures are set to reach a high of 117 degrees over the weekend. A “heat dome” encapsulated the area just two weeks ago and set a record for the hottest June ever. States like Arizona, California, Idaho, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Utah all noted that it was the hottest June on record. 

Furthermore, wildfires have plagued the west coast for years and are currently tearing through California. 

The deadly heat dome claimed the lives of 116 people in Oregon and another 78 in Washington from June 26 until July 1. 

Heat Wave Brings Major Warning about Temperatures

Officials have put over 30 million people under a “very high” heat alert advisory warning as temperatures reach the triple digits. CNN Weather reports the risk is at the highest level, a four out of four, for California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. 

Sarah Rogowski, a forecaster with the National Weather Service, warns that this weekend could be even hotter. This weekend’s heatwave could bring temperatures 10 to 15 degrees higher than average in some parts of California.

The National Weather Service in Las Vegas said that Death Valley temperatures aren’t letting up anytime soon. They note that the heat could potentially break records.

“High pressure will continue to dominate the southern Great Basin and Mojave Desert, producing a major heatwave into early next week,” the National Weather Service said. “All-time record high temperatures will be rivaled or exceeded in some areas.” 

Furthermore, the heatwave has many residents turning their air conditioning lower to get a sense of relief. However, on Thursday, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) sent out a press release on the situation. They said that “extreme temperatures across California” may lead to a “potential capacity shortfall on the state’s electric grid.”

Now, officials are asking residents to voluntarily conserve electricity to “ease the strain on the grid during the crucial evening hours when solar energy is diminished or no longer available.”

So, if you can avoid the outdoors or limit your time, please do so. Stay cool, stay calm, and stay safe!