Motorcyclist in California’s Death Valley dies of extreme heat

A motorcyclist died of below-average heat in Death Valley National Park on Saturday as a new temperature record was broken in the region, officials said.

The temperature in the park reached 128 degrees, surpassing the previous daily record of 127 degrees set in 2007, officials said, citing preliminary data. Death Valley is often considered the hottest place in the country.

The driver was part of a group of six motorcyclists. One was treated for “severe heat illness” and taken to a medical center in Las Vegas, officials said. The four others were treated at the national park and released.

High temperatures forced rescue helicopters to remain grounded during the emergency near Badwater Basin, officials said, adding that the aircraft are generally unable to fly safely when temperatures exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America, 280 feet (86 meters) below sea level.

National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds warned that the heat could pose a major threat to visitors’ health. “While it is very exciting to experience potentially world-record temperatures in Death Valley, we advise visitors to choose their activities carefully and avoid spending extended periods of time outside of an air-conditioned vehicle or building in such high temperatures,” Reynolds said in a statement.

Heat illnesses tend to worsen over the course of a day or several days, officials said, making it harder for motorcyclists to handle the heat when wearing heavy equipment.

Officials have advised against hiking during the heat wave, especially in low-lying areas. They also recommended that people seek shade or air-conditioned areas during the hottest part of the day, wear loose-fitting and light clothing, sunscreen, a hat and an umbrella, drink plenty of water and eat salty snacks.