Death Valley Heat: America’s Deadly Reminder of the Limits of Government Warnings

Each year, Death Valley National Park draws thousands of visitors eager to witness one of the hottest places on Earth. For some, like Ray Estrada and his grandson, enduring brutal temperatures is a bucket-list experience accompanied by caution and preparation. But the grim reality behind the awe-inspiring desert heat is often ignored, with devastating consequences. How Many Deaths Does It Take Before Washington Acts? Despite clear evidence that extreme heat kills more Americans than any other weather event combined, government communication about these mortal risks continues to falter. In Death Valley alone, one to three people lose their lives annually...