Excessive heat warning issued as record high temperatures approach

ST. GEORGE – The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued an excessive heat warning in parts of Arizona, Nevada and California in effect until 9 p.m. MST Saturday. Record high temperatures are expected as strong high pressure over the area leads to very hot temperatures across the region, with temperatures in Death Valley exceeding 120 degrees.

St. George is expected to continue reaching triple-digit temperatures over the next seven days, with a high of 113 degrees on Saturday.

An excessive heat warning is issued when temperatures are forecast to reach dangerous levels that will stress the body if precautions are not taken.

“Children, pets, the elderly, the homeless and people with chronic ailments are the most susceptible to heat-related illness,” according to the National Weather Service. “Heat exhaustion, cramps or, in extreme cases, heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions. Friends, relatives and neighbors should check on people who may be at risk.”


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The National Weather Service is advising those who work or spend time outside to take extra precautions. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

“Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location,” according to the weather service. “Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911.”

Temperatures are expected between 110 and 115 degrees across much of the Mojave Desert including Las Vegas. Lower elevations along the Colorado River may warm between 112 and 119 degrees, although somewhat cooler Thursday afternoon due to cloud cover. Temperatures in Death Valley will exceed 120 degrees. In addition, very warm overnight temperatures will lead to limited relief from the heat during the night.

The maximum high temperature for Utah was recorded on July 5, 1985 in St. George when temperatures reached 117 degrees, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information State Climate Extremes Committee.

A 118 degree temperature was observed on July 4, 2007 at a Remote Automated Weather Station located near the Utah Welcome Center on Interstate 15 in St. George. However, a decision on the validity of this value has not yet been reached by the State Climate Committee.

Areas expected to experience some of the highest temperatures this weekend include:

Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave, Northwest Deserts, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Death Valley National Park, western Mojave Desert, eastern Mojave Desert, Morongo Basin, Cadiz Basin, San Bernardino County, upper Colorado River Valley, northeast Clark County, western Clark and southern Nye County, Las Vegas Valley, southern Clark County, including the cities of: Lake Havasu City, Desert Hills, Topock, Kingman, Golden Valley, Dolan Springs, Valentine, Wikieup, Yucca, Bullhead City, Mohave Valley, Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Shoshone, Barstow, Daggett, Fort Irwin, Baker, Mountain Pass, Mitchell Caverns, Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Vidal Junction, Needles, Mesquite, Overton, Moapa, Pahrump, Indian Springs, Desert Rock, Amargosa Valley, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Hoover Dam, Laughlin, Primm and Searchlight.

Slightly cooler temperatures are expected by Sunday.

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