Image via Amarillo Pioneer Staff
According to Canyon Fire Department, 40 people were rescued from the Lighthouse Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park on Saturday due to extreme heat. Teams from Canyon Fire Department, Randall County Fire Department, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park personnel performed the rescues.
On Canyon Fire Department’s social media this morning, hikers were asked to “avoid the trail system after 10AM” due to the continued extreme heat. “A Slice of the Canyon,” an event planned by the state park, was cancelled on Saturday due to the heat. Canyon Fire Department also confirmed in their post this morning that they had not been called out to the canyon for rescue operations on Sunday.
Air temperatures at the Lighthouse Trail were recorded at over 110° on Saturday, while surface temperatures were recorded at over 130°. Similar temperatures were experienced on Sunday and today. Triple digit highs are also forecasted to continue at least through Wednesday. It is also important to remember that temperatures at the floor of the canyon can be much higher than temperatures at the rim.
Officials have also expressed that those planning to attend the Texas Outdoor Musical should still go.