Stay cool, stay hydrated as excessive heat spell looms over Southern Nevada

A social media post by the National Weather Service in Las Vegas preparing residents for the upcoming heatwave also includes a strict message: “If you don’t have access to adequate cooling or plenty of water, this type of heat is DANGEROUS,” the agency posted on X.

An excessive heat warning has been issued in Southern Nevada for today through Friday, the weather service said.

There is a 77% chance of the temperature reaching 110 degrees Thursday, it said. That would tie a record for the earliest day of the year for temperatures reaching 110 degrees in Las Vegas. The first instance was June 6, 2010.

The high temperature is projected to reach 108 degrees today, 112 on Thursday and 111 degrees Friday, officials said.

“With excessive heat, it’s important to drink more water than usual and to seek shaded or cool areas during the heat of the day to avoid dehydration,” Clark County Fire Chief John Steinbeck said in a statement.

The excessive heat warning was issued for Clark and southern Nye counties in Nevada, San Bernardino County, Calif., and Mohave County, Ariz. Additionally, Owens Valley in central California and Death Valley, which straddles the California-Nevada border northwest of Las Vegas, also are under excessive heat warnings.

A graphic by the weather service says it best, “It’s unseasonably hot.”

The service reminds residents to “Check on neighbors and loved ones; ensure they have adequate cooling & plenty of water.”

Clark County is opening cooling stations throughout the region at public places like libraries and recreation centers for three days beginning today.

The stations are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. A list of cooling stations, which provide water and an air-conditioned environment indoors, can be found at helphopehome.org.

Clark County and the Southern Nevada Health District initiated the “Beat the Heat SNV” educational campaign in the spring to bring awareness to heat safety. Many medical issues brought on from the heat are because people are overexposed, they stressed.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps and dizziness, they said.

There were 294 heat-associated deaths in Southern Nevada in 2023, marking a 78% increase from 2022, when there were 165 heat-associated deaths, the health district said. There were 2,277 heat-related emergency department visits in 2023, with the emergency care and deaths occurring in the middle and end of July, it said.

Extreme heat results in the deaths of more than 1,000 people in the United States each year, said Dr. Fermin Leguen, the district health officer at the Southern Nevada Health District.

He said the health district “urges people to protect themselves and others during periods of extreme heat by staying cool, staying hydrated and staying informed.”

The health district recommends drinking plenty of water — even if you don’t feel thirsty — and to bring water with you when going outdoors. It also urges limiting the intake of alcohol because that will contribute to being dehydrated.

Residents should limit errands and outdoor activities to avoid being outside to the hottest parts of the day. It’s best to schedule appointments in the morning.

The heat also affects children and pets.

Car temperatures can rise to 120 degrees when outdoor temperatures are in the 90s, the health district said. It stresses, “Children should never be left alone in a vehicle for any amount of time, even for a quick errand or quick trip into the home.”

County code prohibits leaving animals alone in cars during extreme heat. Pets should have access to shade and water when outdoors. Experts recommend walking dogs in the early morning or after the sun sets.

Officials recommend the buddy system when leaving the house — if your buddy doesn’t look right, immediately take action.

John Haynes, the public affairs officers for the Lake Mead Recreation Area, said the summer months weren’t an ideal time to do extensive biking or hiking — especially if you aren’t used to the elements or are inexperienced. The recreation area closes some of its trails during the summer out of precaution, he said.

“If you’re out and about you want to wear light, loose-fitting clothing, protect yourself with hats and sunscreen and know where the shade is if you need to take a quick break,” he said. “Use a buddy system (to) monitor not just your own conditions but the conditions of your friends.”

He added that it’s easy to get heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It’s important to listen to your body if you aren’t feeling right and seek shelter.

“If you’re starting to feel kind of tired and flush, or if you’re sweating excessively, you could be suffering from heat exhaustion and should stop right away,” he said. “Drink water and find a cool place to rest.”

[email protected] / 702-990-2662 / @raybrewer21