Record heat roasts Las Vegas valley

A high-pressure system brought record high temperatures Sunday, with record temperatures expected to continue today .

Temperatures reached 110 degrees, two degrees higher than the previous record for June 6, set in 2002, according to the National Weather Service.

And Sunday was the earliest the valley has ever recorded a 110-degree day.

The previous earliest day was June 8, set in 1955, but the average day the valley hits 110 is July 1, according to the weather service.

The average high temperature for June 6 is 96 degrees. The unusually high temperatures are part of a strong high-pressure system that is typical during July and August.

"This is more of a summer weather pattern, a month early," National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Stachelski said.

The heat prompted the weather service to issue an excessive heat warning, meaning that temperatures could be dangerous to people who are outdoors if precautions are not taken.

Scorching temperatures are expected to continue today .

That record is also 108 degrees, and the weather service is expecting the valley to match or exceed that temperature.

There is relief in sight.

Winds on Tuesday are expected to start a cooling trend that could drop high temperatures into the low 90s by the weekend.

"We're not going to get May back, but at least we'll be back down to normal temperatures," Stachelski said.

Contact reporter Lawrence Mower at lmower@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0440.