Las Vegas sets new all-time heat record

by / ⠀News / July 9, 2024
Vegas Heat

Las Vegas experienced its hottest day on record Sunday as temperatures soared to 120 degrees Fahrenheit at Harry Reid International Airport. The scorching heat shattered the city’s previous all-time high of 117 degrees, which was reached in 1942, 2005, 2013, 2017, and 2021. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported the preliminary record-breaking temperature of 118 degrees at 2:33 p.m. local time.

By 3:15 p.m., the mercury had climbed to 119 degrees before finally hitting the unprecedented 120-degree mark around 4 p.m.

Las Vegas is currently under an excessive heat warning that is expected to remain in effect through at least Thursday, July 11. The NWS has warned residents to brace for “dangerously hot conditions for an unusually long period” across parts of northwest Arizona, southeast California, and south central and southern Nevada. Several daily record high temperatures were shattered over the weekend in the three states.

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Death Valley, California, reported a blistering 129 degrees, a temperature previously recorded only in 2007. Barstow-Daggett, California, hit 118 degrees, surpassing the 1989 record of 116 degrees. Bishop, California, reached 111 degrees, four degrees above the 2021 record of 107 degrees.

Palm Springs, California, set a new all-time heat record with 124 degrees on Friday, while Kingman, Arizona, tied its 2017 record of 112 degrees.

Las Vegas reaches unprecedented heat

This July heatwave follows the hottest June on record, according to global temperature analysis, a trend scientists believe is closely tied to global warming and the reckless burning of fossil fuels.

Excessively high temperatures pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like young children and the elderly. The NWS has urged residents in the affected areas to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. They also warned against leaving young children and pets in unattended vehicles, as car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes.

Excessive heat can cause heat exhaustion, with symptoms including cool, moist, pale skin, headache, dizziness, weakness or exhaustion, and nausea. The most severe illness caused by extreme temperatures is heat stroke, which can be fatal. Symptoms of heat stroke include vomiting, confusion, throbbing headache, decreased alertness or loss of consciousness, high body temperature (above 105°F), hot, dry skin, rapid, weak pulse, rapid, shallow breathing, and seizures.

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According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 14,000 Americans have died from heat-related causes since 1979. The sweltering conditions have also increased the risk of wildfires spreading in California, as the dry and hot weather makes it more difficult to contain blazes. Authorities have cautioned residents to be vigilant, with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection advising, “Remember, one less spark could mean one less wildfire.”

About The Author

Erica Stacey

Erica Stacey is an entrepreneur and business strategist. As a prolific writer, she leverages her expertise in leadership and innovation to empower young professionals. With a proven track record of successful ventures under her belt, Erica's insights provide invaluable guidance to aspiring business leaders seeking to make their mark in today's competitive landscape.

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