Visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park have been warned of dangerously high temperatures expected early next week, following a series of heat-related emergencies that have claimed three hikers' lives this month.
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The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch from Monday afternoon through Tuesday. Temperatures at Phantom Ranch, located at the bottom of the canyon, are forecast to reach or exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), reported Associated Press.
In response to a recent rise in heat-related incidents, the National Park Service (NPS) has strongly advised visitors to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
Earlier this week, two hikers aged 67 and 68 were found dead on the North Kaibab Trail, one of the canyon's most challenging routes. According to the NPS, both appeared to have died from heat-related illness. A third hiker, aged 72, died on June 12 after becoming ill from the heat while hiking the South Kaibab Trail.
The warning comes as much of the western United States experiences above-average temperatures, with even hotter conditions expected in the coming days. Authorities have also cautioned that the prolonged hot and dry weather is increasing wildfire risks across the region.
Park officials note that temperatures at the Grand Canyon's rim can be significantly cooler than those at the bottom, creating potentially misleading conditions for hikers.
“It's just a hot place at the bottom of the Grand Canyon,” said Justin Johndrow, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
Johndrow said the area is entering its hottest period of the year before the arrival of summer monsoon rains, which typically bring some relief.
While hikers may begin their journey in relatively cool conditions, they face a steep climb back to the rim through much higher temperatures, increasing the risk of heat-related illness.
“That’s very strenuous even on a mild day,” Johndrow said of the hike back up to the rim. “Throw in temperatures of 105 to 110 degrees, and that causes some pretty bad problems.”
Meanwhile, about 90 miles south of the Grand Canyon, a wildfire near Sedona prompted evacuations late Friday.
The Pocket Fire has burned nearly 300 acres of steep terrain near Oak Creek Canyon. Fire crews from multiple local and federal agencies are working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading toward populated areas, including Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
Fire information officer Dick Fleishman said the wildfire poses several challenges due to its location, nearby properties, intense heat and the potential for post-fire flooding.
“This fire ramped up in complexity quickly,” he said. “We want to try and keep it as small a footprint as possible.”
Authorities have closed approximately 30 miles of a nearby state highway, while the Coconino National Forest has shut all campgrounds, picnic areas and trailheads in the affected area.
