June 3, 2016Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, 928-638-7958

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 today Friday, June 3 at 10am through Sunday, June 5 at 8 pm for areas below 4,000 feet in the canyon including Phantom Ranch. Temperatures at Phantom Ranch could reach 113 F/45 C. Areas above 4,000 feet including the South Rim will experience high temperatures in the 90s.

The National Park Service recommends not hiking below the rim during the excessive heat warning. Anyone who still plans to hike into the canyon this weekend 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 replace fluids and electrolytes frequently, do 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, 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-