An extreme heat watch has been issued for parts of southern Nevada and eastern California later this week as the region braces for a dangerous heat event projected to send temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The warning encompasses popular tourist destinations including the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Death Valley National Park.
Why It Matters
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned residents in affected regions to avoid sun exposure, remain indoors if possible and check on vulnerable individuals.
What To Know
NWS said that temperatures could hit between 104 and 108 degrees in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, 100 to 105 degrees in the western Mojave Desert including Barstow, and 105 to 109 degrees in the valleys of southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, Pahrump and Moapa. Temperatures above 115 would be likely in Death Valley—considered the hottest place on Earth—it added.
It warned that the possibility of heat related illnesses will increase significantly during the “dangerously hot conditions.”
“Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” it warned
“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,” it said.
It added: “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
According to forecasters at AccuWeather, a surge in heat levels across parts of the western U.S. could lead to daily record-challenging temperatures for cities in the territory.
On Friday, Redding, California, is expected to hit 107 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing its previous record of 104 degrees set in 2021. Sacramento may reach 103 degrees, matching a record that has stood since 1910, the outlet said.
Las Vegas is forecast by AccuWeather to climb to 107°F, breaking its 2002 record of 106 degrees Fahrenheit, while Salt Lake City could see 96 degrees on Sunday, topping the 2020 record of 94 degrees.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service forecast office, Las Vegas, said on X, Wednesday: “Temperatures will climb over the next few days and an Extreme Heat Watch is in effect on Friday and Saturday for desert valleys including Las Vegas, Pahrump, Barstow, and Lake Mead. Beat the heat by staying hydrated and limiting outdoor exposure!”
AccuWeather meteorologist Heather Zehr said, in an advisory shared with Newsweek: “This will be the first heat wave of the season in the West, outside of Southern California. A strong area of high pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere will bring plenty of warmth.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the extreme heat watch was set to be in force from Friday morning through Saturday evening.
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