108 makes today the hottest day of 2015 so far in Las Vegas
It may not officially be summer, but this week’s temperatures will sure make it feel like it is.
Las Vegas reached Monday’s predicted high of 108 degrees, making it the hottest day of 2015 so far.
And the official first day of summer, June 21, is still about a week away.
The melted icing on your cake: The National Weather Service issued an “Excessive Heat Watch” beginning Thursday, continuing through the weekend.
When asked if any rain or significant wind gusts would be around to cool the valley, “afraid not,” NWS meteorologist John Adair digressed.
It may get windy, meteorologist Clay Morgan said, but it won’t cool you down. It’ll dry you out.
With that in mind — and with weekend temperatures expected to stay around 107 to 112 degrees — Morgan stressed the importance of heat safety and staying hydrated.
“Our Australian friends call it, ‘flop, flip, slap,’” Morgan said of the motto to “flop on some sunscreen, flip on a shirt and slap on a hat.”
Staying hydrated is most important when you’re hit with hot weather, but wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, applying sunscreen and staying indoors during peak temperature hours are just as vital.
Agencies like the Valley Health System and the Las Vegas Fire Department warned of the increased chances of fire or medical emergencies because of the heat.
Refrigerators and freezers kept in a garage or storage should be cooled by an air conditioner. The Fire Department explained that in order to keep the inside of the coolers cold, the compressor has to work extra hard. If the room or garage gets really hot, the compressor works even harder to stay cool and can cause a fire.
Refrigerators and freezers on wood or carpet floors or even any trash accumulated behind it have been known to cause fires in homes over the years, the Fire Department said.
Extension cords have also been known to cause fires if they are constantly running and carrying an overload of electricity than required.
Leaving items in the heat, especially in vehicles, could bring out heat-sensitive chemicals. Paints, fuels, aerosols, CDs/DVDs, cellphones or other valued electronics may be damaged or explode if left in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
Keeping cars as cool as possible is also recommended by cracking windows for ventilation, covering steering wheels and car seats and protecting your hands when opening door handles or opening and closing trunks.
For those who take medication, the Valley Health System warned that some may cause you to be more susceptible to the heat. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself, they said in a news release.
Common signs of heat exhaustion include muscle cramping, heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, fast but weak pulse and nausea or vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur, the health system said to immediately take steps to cool down the body, but seek medical attention if the problem persists.
People should immediately seek medical attention if someone is experiencing heat stroke symptoms: a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot, red, extra dry or moist skin, a rapid and strong pulse or unconsciousness.
Reporter Kimberly De La Cruz contributed to this report.
Contact reporter Cassandra Taloma at ctaloma@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381.
