Mercury may hit 100 Tuesday as Las Vegas heat builds

Summer temperatures will come on strong in the Las Vegas Valley starting Tuesday.

The high temperature for Las Vegas could hit 100, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast.

Winds will be light and variable, reaching about 6 mph in the afternoon.

Extreme heat warning

An extreme heat warning issued by the weather service begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday and runs through 8 p.m. Friday.

Highs on Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to be 107, and Friday is expected to be about 106. All three projected highs are a degree or two below the McCarran International Airport records for May 27-29.

Expected highs for the weekend will be a few degrees above 100.

“An increase in the wind will back down the high a few degrees on the weekend,” meteorologist Barry Pierce said. “The winds shouldn’t be extreme, but it may move the heat warning to more of a fire watch situation with dry duel and low humidity.”

Heat precautions

“Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the heat warning states. “Children, the elderly and people with chronic ailments are usually the first to suffer from the heat. … Friends, relatives or neighbors should check on people who may be at risk.”

Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location. Heatstroke is an emergency, so call 911.

Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Marv_in_Vegas on Twitter.