Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Las Vegas records first 100-degree day of the year

Las Vegas recorded its first 100-degree day of the year on Thursday, a little later than normal but far from the record set when the first triple-digit day came June 30, 1965.

Meteorologists say the valley will reach triple digits this weekend, too. Las Vegas, on average, reaches the century mark on May 27, but during the past few days the valley has been cooled by weather systems from the Pacific Ocean.

Now the heat is back and it’s time to break out the sunglasses and portable fans.

The National Weather Service said the thermometer hit 100 degrees at 4:52 p.m. Thursday at McCarran International Airport. The earliest it has ever hit 100 degrees is May 1, 1947.

The mercury will increase throughout the weekend, reaching about 105 on Saturday and 107 on Sunday. The weather service issued an excessive heat watch in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday evening.

The sudden increase in temperatures has meteorologists worried that some residents might not be acclimated to the weather change.

“The 106-degree (mark) is the temperature that basically warrants a heat warning,” meteorologist John Adair said.

A warning for unhealthy ozone levels was issued for Sunday, said Brenda Manlove Williams, spokeswoman for the county’s Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management.

“We’re looking at the fact that folks with respiratory or cardiac problems or who work outside need to be careful,” she said.

Williams said unsafe ozone levels also can affect children and seniors without health problems.

The weather service has partnered with the Clark County Coroner’s Office to study heat-related deaths in the Las Vegas area. Adair said 70 to 75 percent of heat-related deaths occur when temperatures are at least 105 degrees.

Adair suggested residents drink more water and avoid caffeine and alcohol when outdoors in the heat. He also advised wearing light-colored, loose-fitted clothing and keeping pets indoors.

Grills near combustible areas can create fire hazards. County officials said grills should be placed away from a house, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs should be protected by fences or barriers to prevent children from getting in without an adult, the county said.

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