Dangerous temperatures prompted National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists to issue an extreme heat warning for Grand Canyon hikers on Friday.
Temperatures are trending as high as 10 degrees above average for parts of the Grand Canyon this weekend, NWS meteorologist Jacob Lewandowski told Newsweek, and tourists and hikers could be caught off guard at the surge in heat in lower elevations.
Why It Matters
Heat advisories and extreme heat warnings have remained in place across the U.S. Southwest this week following a heat wave that impacted the West Coast. Although the Southwest typically sees high temperatures during the summer, the current temperatures are above average and pose dangerous threats should someone spend time outdoors without taking proper precautions.
The exceptionally hot weather is particularly dangerous for hikers and other people who exert themselves physically outside during the peak hot hours.
What To Know
On Friday morning, the NWS office in Flagstaff, Arizona, issued an extreme heat warning for Grand Canyon Village, North Rim and Supai. The warning is in effect for areas below 4,000 feet in elevation.
The warning specifically addressed hikers and urged them to use caution.
“Day hikers on Bright Angel Trail should descend no farther than 1 1/2 miles from the upper trailhead,” the warning said. “Between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, hikers should be out of the canyon or at Havasupai Gardens or Bright Angel campgrounds, physical activity is discouraged. All hikers should have adequate gear, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, salty snacks, sufficient water, and electrolyte mix. Doubling your calorie intake helps maintain your energy.”
The alert warned of “dangerously hot conditions,” with daytime temperatures surging up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit at Phantom Ranch. Temperatures up to 102 degrees were expected at Havasupai Gardens.
The extreme heat warning will remain in effect from 10 a.m. local time Saturday morning through 7 p.m. Sunday evening.
“Most individuals will be at risk for heat-related illnesses without effective cooling or adequate hydration, especially with prolonged outdoor exposure,” the warning said.
Extreme heat warnings also were in place for Southern Nevada and Southeastern California.
What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist Jacob Lewandowski told Newsweek: “This is the most dangerous time of year for tourists and hikers in the Grand Canyon, especially if you’re planning to descend in the lower elevations of the Grand Canyon. At the top, it can be in the 70s or 80s, but once you get down there, temperatures can reach 100 really easy and might catch you off guard. We definitely discourage any sort of recreation at the bottom of the Grand Canyon this time of year due to the danger.”
An extreme heat warning issued by NWS Flagstaff: “This warning is reserved for only the hottest days of the year and is issued when temperatures are expected to rise to dangerous levels.”
What Happens Next
The extreme heat warning expires on Sunday night, but Lewandowski said temperatures could still trend above average on Monday.
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