Hundreds of thousands of residents in three Western states have been urged not to drink alcohol as a severe heat wave hits.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued Extreme Heat Warnings for portions of California, Nevada and Arizona on Friday and Saturday, with temperatures forecast to soar into the triple digits.
Heat advisories have also been issued in Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
Why It Matters
The warnings underscore the life-threatening risks posed by extreme heat in the Western U.S. this week, especially for vulnerable communities, the elderly, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning.
Prolonged exposure to high daytime temperatures, combined with limited overnight cooling, raise the threat of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration.
What To Know
The NWS issued its extreme heat warning in eastern California, southern Nevada and extreme north-west Arizona from Friday morning until late Saturday.
“Temperatures Friday and Saturday will reach 104 to 108 in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, 100 to 105 in the western Mojave Desert including Barstow, and 103 to 109 in the valleys of southern Nevada including Pahrump, Las Vegas, and Moapa. Temperatures over 115 are likely in Death Valley,” the NWS said.
The NWS warned people in these affected areas to avoid consuming alcohol or caffeinated drinks as they can accelerate dehydration.
Instead, residents have been urged to drink water or electrolyte-rich sports drinks. The agency also warned people to avoid eating protein-rich meals, as these can raise body temperatures.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the NWS said. “Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”
It added: “If you do not have air conditioning in your home or lack shelter, monitor for local cooling shelters openings and assistance locating appropriate shelter from the heat.”
Elsewhere, the NWS has also issued extensive heat advisories across large parts of western California, which are in force until Friday evening. Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit in the Sacramento Valley and Shasta Lake Area.
Meanwhile, temperatures are also forecast to reach up to 102 degrees in southwest Idaho, southeast Oregon and northwest Montana on Friday.
What People Are Saying
Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University‘s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, North Carolina, told Newsweek: “During periods of extreme heat, hydration is critical, and both alcohol and high doses of caffeine can work against that. Alcohol, in particular, impairs the body’s ability to regulate temperature and recognize early signs of heat illness. When it’s dangerously hot, the safest bet is to stick with water or electrolyte beverages, take breaks in the shade or AC, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.”
She added: “Don’t rely on fans as your main cooling source when indoor temperatures rise above 95°F – they may create a false sense of comfort but won’t prevent heat-related illness. Avoid waiting in parked cars even for short periods – internal temperatures can rise dangerously fast. Don’t assume that only the elderly are at risk – outdoor workers, food service workers, athletes, young children, and people with chronic health conditions are also highly vulnerable.”
What Happens Next
The extreme heat warnings are in place from 9 a.m. PT on Friday until 11 p.m. PT on Saturday. Residents are urged to follow local forecasts and be prepared for additional advisories on the NWS website.
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