Excessive heat warning stays in effect through Wednesday for Las Vegas area
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning and air quality alert that will be in effect Wednesday, but temperatures and air conditions are expected to improve by the weekend.
Tuesday’s high reached 107 degrees, which as more than 10 degrees above normal, according to meteorologist Andy Gorelow.
The Clark County Department of Air Quality has extended Monday’s ozone alert through Wednesday.
“At ground level, ozone is a key ingredient of urban smog during the hottest months of the year in Clark County,” the department said. The ozone builds up during the afternoon hours due to strong sunlight, hot temperatures and pollutants.
At this time, the alert is for sensitive groups like people with respiratory problems, cardiac disease, and young children and senior citizens. But can induce coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath even in healthy people, the department said.
Wednesday’s high should hit 109 degrees, again well above normal, according to the weather service.
The excessive heat warning, which is in effect Tuesday from 10 a.m. to Wednesday at 8 p.m., means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will be present, according to the weather service. Without proper precaution, heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or stroke are likely.
The weather service advises Las Vegans to drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and use sunscreen.
Starting Thursday, temperatures will likely drop closer to normal levels, with an expected high of 106 degrees and winds at 15 to 25 mph. Temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s are forecast for Friday and into the weekend, Gorelow said.
Contact Raven Jackson at rjackson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find @ravenmjackson on Twitter. Contact Lawren Linehan at llinehan@reviewjournal.com or at 702-383-0381. Find @lawrenlinehan on Twitter.
