Heat wave expected to persist several more days

By Kyle B. Hansen

Sunday, June 6, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Temperatures in the Las Vegas Valley reached a scorching high of 107 degrees on Saturday, and today and Monday aren’t going to offer any relief.

An excessive heat warning is in effect for most of Clark County and the surrounding region through 8 p.m. Monday, and a break from triple-digit temperatures isn’t likely until Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Today’s forecasted high temperature is 108 degrees, with tonight’s low a still-warm 85 degrees.

The high on Monday is expected to be 109 degrees; Tuesday is likely to hit 106 degrees, and Wednesday will top out at 101 degrees, the service said.

Temperatures should then start to drop and winds will pick up as a Pacific storm system moves inland, the weather service said. Thursday’s forecasted high is 98 degrees, and Friday’s temperatures should stay in the low 90s.

The Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management said ozone is expected to reach an unhealthy level for sensitive groups on Sunday, but should fall to a moderate level Monday.

People should avoid outdoor activities and stay hydrated during the heat of the day, the weather service said.

There are a number of cooling shelters open through Wednesday for people who need a place to escape the heat.

Many of them are closed today, but Catholic Charities, 1501 N. Las Vegas Blvd.; the Salvation Army, 31 W. Owens Ave.; Shade Tree, 1 W. Owens Ave.; the Dula Gymnasium, 441 East Bonanza Road; and the Islamic Society of Nevada, 4730 E. Desert Inn Road, are scheduled to be open today.