Scorching forecast prompts excessive heat warning

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ST. GEORGE — A scorching forecast has led the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat warning for northern Arizona and southern Nevada for the first half of the week, with forecasts of temperatures as high as 118 in some areas.

While no heat advisory has been issued for Southern Utah, high temperatures are also forecast for the region, including highs of 106-108 in St. George Monday and Tuesday.

The National Weather Service describes the forecasted temperatures as “dangerously hot.” Illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke will be possible for people recreating outdoors, as well as those who do not have air conditioning and other heat-sensitive groups, such as young children, the elderly and those with chronic ailments.

The excessive heat warning is in effect from Monday at 10 a.m. MST/PDT / 11 a.m. MDT to Wednesday at 10 p.m. MST/PDT / 11 p.m. MDT.

Areas affected

Shaded areas denote regions subject to excessive heat warning. Map generated at 3:07 p.m. PDT, Aug. 5, 2018 | Image courtesy of the National Weather Services, St. George News

Regionally affected areas in northern Arizona include communities on the Arizona Strip, such as Colorado City, Mt. Trumbull, Littlefield and Beaver Dam.

In southern Nevada, where temperatures of 110-118 are expected, most of Clark County is affected by the heat warning, including Mesquite, Bunkerville and other communities along Interstate 15 extending through Las Vegas into southern California.

Major outdoor recreation areas affected in Nevada and Arizona include Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Valley of Fire State Park and western Grand Canyon, as well as all other points of interest on the Arizona Strip.

Precautions

According to statistics provided by the National Weather Service, heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S. The data shows that heat causes more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Read more: Summer heat can kill; protect your family, pets and yourself

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. Heat stroke is an emergency – call 911.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Energy efficiency

With the excessive heat will also come the cranking up of air conditioners. Due to this, the Energy Services Department of the city of St. George has offered tips on how to practice energy efficiency to save on those cooling costs.

  • Set the thermostat to 78 degrees and use fans to provide a wind chill effect, making the room feel cooler and more comfortable.
  • Avoid using the oven for cooking. Using the microwave or grilling outside avoids adding extra heat to your home.
  • Close the window coverings, particularly on south and west facing windows to reduce the amount of heat coming in from the sun.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2018, all rights reserved.

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4 Comments

  • Kilroywashere August 5, 2018 at 5:43 pm

    Stay cool, This too shall pass. It’s all downhill from here.

    • comments August 5, 2018 at 8:11 pm

      Well, in 2 months it’ll begin to cool down. We’ll be able to do stuff outside again at some point in october.

  • utahdiablo August 5, 2018 at 9:37 pm

    Welcome to southern Utah and Nevada…..it gets damn Hot during the summer….it always had and always will….and with the greed factory build more houses and putting down more concrete and asphalt, the summer temps will only get hotter from now on, enjoy!!

  • PlanetU August 5, 2018 at 10:13 pm

    Cruel to even leave your pets outdoors in this heat or ride in the back of your pickup.

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