Severe warning for Death Valley visitors about record heat

Death Valley is on the verge of breaking an insane heat record of 130 degrees Fahrenheit – but thrill-seekers be warned, one misstep in the park could be your last … TMZ has learned.

The National Weather Service is warning that the famous national park in California’s Mojave Desert could turn into a veritable inferno during a nationwide heat wave. That means Death Valley could break its own record of 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees Celsius) for the highest temperature ever reliably recorded … and that’s causing park officials to worry.

DVNP spokeswoman Abby Wines says TMZ … Visitors must be very careful when moving around the park during this time, as in some cases park rangers may not be able to rescue them from danger.

Abby says park employees are not allowed to stay in the extreme heat for more than ten minutes and must cool down for 50 minutes before going back outside.

Translation: They simply cannot and will not go on a scouting trip to find visitors in trouble who are not in easily accessible areas.

She also pointed out that due to the extreme heat, medical air transport will likely no longer be possible, as it is very difficult for helicopters to take off in temperatures above 49 degrees.

The danger is real… Last summer, two people died in the park due to the heat… and dozens had to be treated for heat-related problems.

It is important for all visitors to limit their time in the scorching heat and stay on marked trails.