ST. GEORGE — An excessive heat warning that went into effect Thursday for northwest Arizona and southern Nevada is warning of temperatures possibly reaching 115 degrees in some areas, which can translate to far hotter temperatures in enclosed vehicles.
The heat warning was issued by the National Weather Service and remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday.
Affected area
Regionally affected areas in the Arizona Strip include Beaver Dam, Littlefield, Colorado City and surrounding communities, Pipe Spring National Monument and western Grand Canyon.
In Southern Nevada, communities along Interstate 15, such as Mesquite and the Las Vegas metropolitan area, as well as major recreation areas like Lake Mead and Valley of Fire State Park, are affected.
Temperatures
Temperatures readings have been 6 to 8 degrees above normal this week, according to the National Weather Service. The hottest days are expected to be Thursday and Friday with the Las Vegas Valley potentially reaching 115 degrees
Temperatures aren’t expected to drop much until after Saturday night.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke will be possible. People most vulnerable include those who are spending lots of time outdoors, those who do not have air conditioning, young children, the elderly and those with chronic ailments.
The National Weather Service advises people who work outdoors to take extra precautions and know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Read more: Here comes the heat; time to get prepared
People working outdoors should reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening, wear light-weight and loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water.
Hot cars
Enclosed cars left in the sun have the potential to become much hotter than the already scorching outdoor temperatures.
Mesquite Police in Nevada used the occasion to illustrate the deadly heat potential of hot cars on the department’s Facebook page, with one car’s interior temperature reading approximately 188 degrees Thursday.
It only takes a matter of minutes for a vehicle’s interior temperature to reach lethal levels, according to the National Weather Service.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. They can suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes.
Anyone who observes a child or pet left alone inside a parked vehicle is encouraged to call emergency services.
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I will pray that poor little Dumpy’s (aka striker4) mommy doesn’t leave him in the hot car at the walmart AGAIN. It may cause even more brain damage (if that’s even possible). Poor dear little Dump ????????.
Way to take a serious subject and use it to take a shot at someone you don’t like. Just goes to show everyone the kind of person you are.
don’t be a crybaby, filters. Cars get hot in the summertime out here in the desert. Happens every summer. Those who haven’t yet learned and need to be reminded each year must be a bit slow to say the least.
Filters, I hope you’re a woman, because I sense a bit of pouting there. And that sort of passive aggressive sulkiness is not acceptable for a man. 😉
Lol! Plus he must not know Dumpster very well.
Let’s talk this up to prevent future deaths. Maybe remind folks at meetings and after every prayer.
This must include police dogs, right? Our K-9’s……lame officer up north, idiot.
Probably shouldn’t have kids or pets if you’re going to forget about them and leave them in a hot car.