Date: June 16, 2016
Contact: Emily Davis, 928-638-7609
Grand Canyon, Ariz. –The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of Grand Canyon National Park. The warning is in effect beginning Sunday, June 16 and goes through Wednesday, June 22 for areas below 4,000 feet in the canyon including Phantom Ranch. Temperatures at Phantom Ranch could reach 117 F/47 C. Indian Garden temperatures could hit 109 F/43 C. Hotter than normal temperatures will also hit the rims, with highs of 97 F/36 C on the South Rim and 91 F/33 C on the North Rim.
The National Park Service recommends not hiking below the rim during the excessive heat warning. Anyone who still plans to hike into the canyon should take extra precautions to hike smart. Hikers should plan to hike before 10 am and after 4pm, resting near shade and water to avoid the worst heat of the day. The National Park Service advises that anyone hiking in heat should replace fluids and electrolytes frequently, not wait until thirsty to start replacing fluids, drink small amounts often and alternate between water and a sports drink with electrolytes. It is also important to balance food intake with fluid consumption. Additional information about hiking smart in the heat is available at https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart.htm. Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, hyponatremia, and hyperthermia.
All visitors to Grand Canyon should ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids, soaking clothes with water, resting in shade during the heat of the day, watching out for signs of distress in traveling companions, and dressing appropriately for the weather.
For up-to-date weather forecasts please check the National Weather Service website: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/
-NPS-
