weather:

Las Vegas to hit 113 degrees today

Excessive heat warning in effect through Sunday night

Saturday, July 18, 2009 | 7:42 a.m.

Sun weather

Current conditions, today's forecast, neighborhood weather conditions, historical climatological information

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More extremely hot weather -- the kind that is potentially dangerous to your health -- will sear the Las Vegas Valley again today and Sunday.

The National Weather Service's excessive heat warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday for areas below 4,000 feet in the Mojave Desert.

Today's forecast calls for high temperatures of 113 degrees in Las Vegas, 115 to 118 along the Colorado River as well as in Mesquite and Overton, 107 in Kingman, 111 to 113 in Barstow and Twentynine Palms and 126 in Death Valley.

Highs Sunday afternoon are expected to be similar, hitting 112 degrees, forecasters said. Although temperatures will drop slightly on Monday, they will remain well above normal into next week, the weather service said.

The excessive heat warning is triggered when temperatures are expected to reach 112 or above, which is considered to be dangerous levels that will stress the body if precautions aren't taken.

In 2008, there were 19 heat-related fatalities in Nevada, according to the weather service. On average, extreme heat results in more than twice as many fatalities as any other weather hazard, except for hurricanes, the weather service said.

Along with today's high heat, isolated afternoon temperatures will develop mainly over higher terrain, bringing lightning and strong winds, forecasters said.

Temperatures will drop tonight to a low of around 90 degrees. The normal low is 79 degrees.

The normal high for today's date is 105 degrees and the record high was 116 degrees, set in 2005.

The National Weather Service released the following heat-related safety tips:

Never leave children or pets unattended in a car during summer in the desert. The inside of a car can climb up to 150 degrees and bring heat stroke in a matter of minutes.
Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Stay indoors as much as possible in an air-conditioned room. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Avoid strenuous work during the hottest part of the day.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
Eat light meals. Avoid heavy meals with lots of protein.
Check on ill and elderly people, who are at greater risk.
Remember to leave pets in a cool place with plenty of water.

Discussion: 4 comments so far…

By Babyboomer

7/19/09 at 1:17 p.m.

Suggest removal

Brrrrrr....it's cold in here.
By stevem

7/19/09 at 5:31 p.m.

Suggest removal

i was sweating more today than criss angel eating a hot dog.
By Phargo

7/19/09 at 10:33 p.m.

Suggest removal

What is the government doing about this heat?
By uddeboda

7/20/09 at 5:01 a.m.

Suggest removal

How do you all manage in that kind of heat, OK I know the humidity is low, but still.

Here across the pond we have a very pleasant 64 F, the odd shower, and cool 52 F during the night.