Las Vegas heat makes another entry into the record books

By Kyle B. Hansen

Published Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011 | 3:24 p.m.

Updated Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011 | 5:25 p.m.

Temperatures in Las Vegas hit record territory again today for the third time this week, topping out at 111 degrees.

The thermometer at McCarran International Airport, the official weather station for Las Vegas, hit 110 degrees just after 2:30 p.m., tying the previous record set in 1985. The mercury then inched up by a degree to break the record.

The heat wave has been the hottest of the year for Las Vegas, which saw record-high temperatures Wednesday (112 degrees) and Tuesday (110 degrees). It hasn't been much cooler at night, with lows in the 80s.

The average high temperature for Aug. 25 is 101 degrees, while the average low is 78 degrees, according to weather service records.

The weather service said an excessive heat warning remains in effect for parts of the Mojave Desert in Nevada, Arizona and California below 4,000 feet in elevation until 8 p.m. Friday. Temperatures in Death Valley are expected to peak near 120 degrees, the weather service said.

Officials suggest people stay indoors during the day and wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing while drinking plenty of water.

Temperatures should drop slightly after today as more moisture moves into the area. Forecasters expect highs of 108 degrees Friday and 107 degrees Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with a slight chance of thunderstorms both days this weekend.