Published Friday, Aug. 28, 2009 | 6:43 a.m.
Updated Friday, Aug. 28, 2009 | 10:51 a.m.
Sun weather coverage
Dangerously hot temperatures are headed to the Las Vegas Valley this afternoon, possibly hitting 111 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather service has issued an excessive heat warning from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday for elevations in the Mojave Desert below 4,000 feet.
Temperatures are expected to reach near-record levels or break records today throughout the region.
The weather service said temperatures will hit 109 degrees in Las Vegas, 112 to 117 in the Colorado River Valley and Northeast Clark County, 107 in Pahrump, 106 at Kingman, 108 to 112 in the San Bernardino County deserts and 122 degrees at Death Valley National Park.
The normal high for Las Vegas for today's date is 100 degrees and the record high is 110, set in 1944.
The weather service said the excessive heat warning is triggered when temperatures are expected to hit 108 degrees or higher at McCarran International Airport.
Such high temperatures can be deadly, so people should drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and caffeine, stay in an air conditioned areas and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, the weather service said. Children and pets should not be left alone inside vehicles, where temperatures can climb to deadly levels quickly.
The high heat is being created by a strong area of high pressure that is centered across the region today and Saturday.
Temperatures are expected to continue to be hotter than normal into early next week. The forecast calls for high temperatures of 107 degrees Sunday, 104 Monday and 103 Tuesday, the weather service said.
Forecasters said southwest winds will increase Sunday between an area of low pressure over southern Idaho and high pressure over Arizona.
That could mean a fire watch will be needed for parts of the area Sunday because of warm temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty winds, the weather service said.
Temperatures will fall back closer to normal next week as some monsoon moisture returns, the weather service said.
Cooling stations for homeless opened today, Saturday
Eight additional cooling stations will open today and tomorrow for the homeless around the valley.
The cooling stations are designed to move homeless individuals inside, out of the heat, and keep them hydrated so they do not get sick, Clark County officials said this morning.
These cooling stations are in addition to the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition's Inclement Weather Shelter Program, which provide seasonal shelters on an as-needed basis. The program also provides funding for long-term day shelters during summer months until high temperatures are no longer hazardous.
The National Weather Service decides what weather conditions are hazardous. The extra cooling stations are:
+ Catholic Charities, 1501 N. Las Vegas Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
+ Salvation Army, 31 W. Owens Ave., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
+ Shade Tree, 1 W. Owens Ave., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
+ Cambridge Recreation Center, 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd., 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
+ Hollywood Recreation Center, 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd., 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
+ Walnut Recreation Center, 3075 N. Walnut Ave., 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
+ Cornerstone Christian Church, 5825 W. Eldora St., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
+ Valley View Recreation Center, 500 Harris St., Henderson, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Anyone in need of a cooling station can call 211 from any pay phone to find the nearest one, or visit www.HelpHopeHome.org.
