Heat-related deaths reported at the Grand Canyon

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) - Dangerous heat is once again raising concerns at the Grand Canyon after several recent heat-related deaths.

Park officials are warning visitors to be prepared as temperatures climb back into triple digits as another stretch of extreme heat is expected at Grand Canyon National Park early this week, prompting new warnings for hikers and visitors.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures in pats of the inner canyon expected to reach or exceed 110 degrees.

Park officials are strongly advising people to avoid hiking during the hottest hours of the day following a recent spike in heat-related emergencies.

The concern comes after three hikers died this month in separate incidents linked to the heat. Two men, ages 67 and 68, were found on the North Kaibab Trail, one of the canyon's most challenging routes. Days earlier, a 72-year-old hiker became ill on the South Kaibab Trail and later died.

"Something about the Grand Canyon is that at the rim is pretty high elevation, about 5000 feet, so it's a lot cooler, but as you hike in, it gets hotter," said Rebecca Rodriguez, who frequently visits the Grand Canyon. "Something that I like to keep in mind and use as a frame of reference is if it's 100 here in the valley, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, it's about the same altitude, so it'll also be around 100."

Officials urge visitors to carry plenty of water, know their limits, and plan outdoor activities for cooler morning or evening hours.