Excessive heat watch issued for Sunday

By Pashtana Usufzy

Published Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015 | 10:45 p.m.

Updated Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015 | 11:58 a.m.

Temperatures are expected to be above normal this weekend as dry air moves into the valley, dashing the hopes of rain lovers in the process.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for Sunday, with the possibility of extending it into Monday. The high temperature Sunday is forecast to be 107 to 111 degrees in the Las Vegas Valley.

Forecasters said people might not be as acclimated to the scorching heat, considering the temperatures recently have been below normal. The high temperature at McCarran International Airport has only exceeded 106 degrees twice since July 3.

Though there's a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Thursday, temperatures are expected to be 5 to 7 degrees above normal this weekend with sunny skies, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Barry Pierce.

There was a 40 percent chance of rainfall in the forecast early Wednesday, but by the evening, meteorologists believed there was no chance of rain overnight, Pierce said.

The high temperature Wednesday at McCarran International Airport hit 101 degrees, and high temperatures should remain between 104 and 110 through the weekend, he said.

Lows are expected to be in the low to mid 80s during the same period.