Excessive heat warning issued; weekend temperatures expected to hit 108

By Tiffany Gibson

Saturday, June 5, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

An excessive heat warning has been issued for the Las Vegas Valley for Saturday as triple-digit temperatures persist.

The warning has been issued from 1 p.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Monday for elevations below 4,000 feet in Southern Nevada. Skies will be sunny with the high expected to reach 106 degrees.

Temperatures are expected to hit about 108 degrees on Sunday and Monday. Meteorologists say thermometers should reach 110 to 115 degrees along the Colorado River Valley and 120 degrees at Death Valley National Park.

Northwest Arizona and Southeast California have also been issued an excessive heat warning for the weekend.

Las Vegas on average hits 105 degrees or higher on June 9. The sudden increase in temperatures this year has meteorologists worried that some residents might not be acclimated to the warmer weather.

A warning for high ozone levels was issued for Sunday, said Brenda Manlove Williams, spokeswoman for the county’s Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management.

People with respiratory or cardiac problems should be cautious when engaging in outside activities this weekend, she said.

Elevated ozone levels also can affect children and seniors without health problems, Williams said.

The weather service said heat kills an average 1,500 people annually in the U.S., which is more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lighting. Officials said 70 to 75 percent of heat-related deaths occur when temperatures are at least 105 degrees.

Officials suggest people limit outdoor activities, drink more water and avoid caffeine and alcohol when outdoors in the heat. Wearing light-colored, loose-fitted clothing and keeping pets indoors is also advised.

Temperatures are expected to cool down Tuesday and return to double digits by the middle of next week.