Excessive heat warning posted this week for Las Vegas

By Jackie Valley

Monday, Aug. 22, 2011 | 3:27 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Las Vegas Valley as scorching heat — capable of producing record temperatures — invades the region this week.

The excessive heat warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Saturday for elevations below 4,000 feet, according to the weather service. The warning includes portions of Southern Nevada, southeast California and northwest Arizona.

Meteorologists expect temperatures to climb between 108 and 113 degrees in Las Vegas during that stretch. Lake Mead and Laughlin likely will see even hotter weather, reaching 112 to 117 degrees, the weather service said. Temperatures at Death Valley National Park are forecast to top 120 degrees.

The heat wave, fueled by a high pressure system hovering over the region, will keep nighttime temperatures well above normal, meteorologists said. Lows are expected to drop only between 85 and 90 degrees at many locations.

Authorities urge people to plan any outdoor activities in the early morning or after sunset, especially in the Colorado River valley and Death Valley areas.

The hot temperatures will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible, forecasters said. They recommend drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air conditioning and out of the sun. Officials also recommend checking on relatives and neighbors.