Valley’s high ties record for April 1

Friday, the mercury topped 92 degrees; tying a high temperature for April Fool’s Day set 25 years ago.

“No more records are on the line for the time being,” said Chris Stachelski of the National Weather Service’s Las Vegas office. While today ‘s forecast high of 88 is certainly “way above normal,” it won’t come near to topping the high of 95 degrees for April 2, also set in 1966.

A high wind advisory is in effect from noon today to 5 a.m. Sunday throughout Southern Nevada and eastern California. The weather service forecasts sustained winds between 23 and 26 mph, with gusts up to 37 mph.

Those gusts could hit 60 mph in the Spring Mountains. The areas most likely to see strong winds are Red Rock, Summerlin, Mountain’s Edge and Blue Diamond, according to the service.

Friday, though, it was still and hot. So much so that sweating employees of a tire shop near downtown Las Vegas said it was “muy caliente,” while patrons buying fuel at local stations seemed to take things in stride.

“It’s hot, but not like July is hot,” said Sandra Jenkins, 33, of Las Vegas.

Her 82-year-old grandmother disagreed.

“She won’t turn on the air conditioning,” cackled Heloise Gunther. “She’s too cheap.”

Heloise and others not quite ready for summer’s sizzle heat won’t have to suffer much longer, Stachelski said.

“We’re going to have our strongest winds pick up on Saturday evening and another cold front will come in on Sunday,” said Stachelski.

The National Weather Service forecasts highs in the 60s and 70s next week with lows in the 50s.

“We’ll go back to normal next week,” said Stachelski. “Today’s temps are more typical for May than early April.”

According to Stachelski, this past March is the 10th warmest on record.

Contact Doug McMurdo at dmcmurdo@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.