Death Valley and Mojave Desert Under Extreme Heat Warning

The National Weather Service in Las Vegas issued an extreme heat warning for parts of northwest Arizona, southeast California and southern Nevada, including the Greater Mojave Desert and Death Valley. Forecasts call for afternoon temperatures of 108 °F to 114 °F across desert valleys, with possible peaks of 115 °F along the Colorado River Valley and up to 120 °F in Death Valley. Overnight lows are expected to remain between 80 °F and 95 °F. The agency warned that heat‑related illnesses could rise sharply, urging people to stay hydrated, remain in air‑conditioned environments, avoid excessive sun exposure, and check on vulnerable relatives, children, and pets. Precautions such as wearing lightweight clothing, limiting strenuous activity to early morning or evening, and seeking immediate medical help for signs of heat exhaustion or stroke were emphasized.

For context, Death Valley holds the record for the highest air temperature measured on Earth at 134 °F (56.7 °C). The Lute Desert in Iran recorded the highest ground temperature of 177.4 °F (80.8 °C). Deserts are defined by low precipitation rather than heat, and they can be both hot and cold, with Antarctica being the largest desert overall.