Tragedy in Death Valley: Motorcyclist succumbs to extreme heat
8 July 2024 08:28
In Death Valley, California, a tragic event occurred where one motorcyclist died due to the heat. On the fateful day, a group of six motorcyclists travelled through Badwater Basin, the hottest part of the national park, when the temperature reached 54°C!
The motorcyclists were travelling through the Badwater Basin area when the tragedy occurred. The high temperatures combined with the need to wear heavy protective gear essential for safety further exacerbated the risk of overheating. One of the travellers paid the ultimate price for it.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, died at the scene from overheating. Another motorcyclist was transported to a hospital in Las Vegas. The remaining group members received assistance at the scene.
Extreme temperatures across the United States
The motorcyclist's death is another dramatic example of the impact of the prolonged heatwave, which is setting temperature records across the United States. According to meteorologist Bryan Jackson from the National Weather Service (NWS), extreme heat warnings have covered nearly 36 million people, about 10 percent of the country's population.
To further illustrate the seriousness of the situation, last weekend the temperature in many regions in northern California exceeded 43°C. Extreme temperatures also affected Oregon, where several temperature records were broken, including in Salem, where the temperature reached 39°C. Extraordinary heat warnings even included higher regions, such as the areas around Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border.
Read more: The motorcyclist didn't stand a chance. The car stopped in the middle of the road.
Temperature close to the credible world record
The Lubusz Storm Chasers reported that the temperature recorded on Saturday in Death Valley, USA reached 54°C and was only 1°C lower than the credible world record.
The National Weather Service (NWS) also warns of an increased risk of fires due to the combination of high temperatures, dry air, and wind. In southern California, residents were forced to evacuate parts of Santa Barbara County due to the Lake Fire, which has burned over 5,300 hectares since Friday.
