In the sweltering expanse of Death Valley, a recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme temperatures.
The National Park Service reported the 42-year-old Belgian man was walking on the Mesquite Flat sand dunes when he either lost or broke his flip-flops, resulting in a” full-thickness” (more commonly called “third degree”) burns–destroying all three layers of skin.
Temperatures in Death Valley have been rising more than ever as multiple effects of climate change ratchet up. When this incident happened, it was approximately 123 F, with a ground temperature of approximately 160 degrees.
Deemed the hottest and driest national park, Amy Wines, a Park spokesperson, explained that the park is extremely hot because, unlike most places where hot air rises and disperses, it gets trapped by the tall, steep mountains on either side of the valley. This causes the air to recirculate and heat up throughout the day.
Wines tried to convey the impossible to those who have not experienced it personally: how such extreme heat feels and how it affects the body. “To try and describe that to someone who is not here – my forehead goes numb, my eyeballs hurt. It’s very much like having my entire body inside an oven. And, the days where there’s wind, it’s worse because it’s like having my entire body inside a hair dryer.”
The park advises visitors to take serious precautions: limit exposure, stay on paved roads, and avoid walking on sand dunes during peak heat hours. For those seeking to explore or looking for a riskier adventure, proceed with caution! It is recommended to do so in the early morning or late afternoon and always with appropriate gear. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and staying within a short distance of air-conditioned vehicles is advised.
