The US National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for the Grand Canyon from Monday through Tuesday, with temperatures projected to exceed 100F (37.7C) and potentially reach 112F (44.4C) in lower areas. The warning follows three heat-related deaths of hikers on the Kaibab Trail in June.
Extreme Heat Warning Details
The alert, published on Saturday, will be in effect from 10am local time Monday to 7pm Tuesday. The NWS office in Flagstaff, Arizona, warned of "dangerously hot conditions" below 4,000ft, with daytime temperatures ranging from 97F (36.1C) at Havasupai Gardens to 111F (43.8C) at Phantom Ranch. "Most individuals will be at risk for heat-related illnesses without effective cooling or adequate hydration, especially with prolonged outdoor exposure," the agency said. Such notices are "reserved for only the hottest days of the year" and issued when temperatures could rise to dangerous levels.
Recent Hiker Deaths
On Friday, the National Park Service reported that rangers responded to two separate heat-related incidents on June 12 and June 16, resulting in three deaths. "In both cases, the deceased hikers were hiking trails in the Inner Canyon, where temperatures can exceed 109F in the shade during midday hours," the NPS said. On June 12, a 72-year-old male succumbed to heat-related illness along the South Kaibab Trail. On June 16, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman died on the North Kaibab Trail, though the investigation is ongoing. "Despite rapid response and aerial support, all three individuals were found deceased when responders arrived," the statement said.
Earlier Incident and Safety Advice
Earlier this month, an 18-year-old man also died from heat-related symptoms in the park. The NPS urged hikers to avoid the canyon between 10am and 4pm and advised against physical activity during peak heat. "Hiking in Grand Canyon can be a challenge for anyone, especially during the heat of summer," the park service said. "Recent increase in heat-related incidents comes as summer temperatures in the Inner Canyon have reached dangerous levels, creating conditions that can quickly overwhelm hikers during the hottest parts of the day."
Other Heat Warnings Across the US
In Arizona, evacuation orders were issued for communities near Sedona due to the Pocket fire in Oak Creek Canyon. Extreme heat watches have also been issued for parts of Oregon from Monday through Tuesday evening, and for portions of California from Tuesday evening through Thursday. In Texas, the NWS in San Angelo warned of "triple-digit heat" from Sunday into early next week. Heat advisories are in effect for parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico, Florida, and Texas, and were issued for Sunday in portions of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.
