Sunday’s temps edge out record

Sunday marked the first day of the year that temperatures broke the 100-degree mark, but Las Vegans also found themselves sweating out a record for May 18.

The high of 104 degrees edged out the previous high for May 18 of 103 degrees, said Larry Jensen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. That record was set in 1973.

Jensen said record temperatures, measured at McCarran International Airport, will continue to topple today and Tuesday.

The high for today is expected to reach 107 degrees, which would shatter an all-time high for May 19: a 102-degree mark set in 2006.

Tuesday's high has been forecast at 105 degrees, which would break the May 20 mark of 102.

The average high for May 18 is 88 degrees.

Jensen said the heat will affect people differently.

"Some people are going to love it, and sit by the pool, throw hamburgers on the grill and have a great time," Jensen said. "Others are going to wish they were indoors."

Jensen said the Weather Service expects to issue heat warnings today and Tuesday.

He said people who need to be outside should drink lots of water, and try not to drink alcohol in excess.

He also said people should wear sunblock if they're outside and stay in the shade.

Jensen said the onset of record temperatures is not a sign this summer will be hotter than others.

"This is really no indication of what the potential is for the summer," he said.

Record highs are not here to stay, he said.

Temperatures are expected to significantly drop Wednesday because of a storm front coming from Alaska.

The high temperature Wednesday is expected to be 91 degrees and Thursday's high might not even hit 80 degrees.

Last year's 100-degree mark was first hit on June 1.