Temperatures soared past 110 degrees Fahrenheit across the Southwest United States on Thursday, shattering records and prompting heat alerts. In Las Vegas, a new high of 111 degrees was recorded, equaling the earliest time of year the city has reached triple digits. Phoenix also set a new record high of 113 degrees, surpassing the previous mark of 111 degrees set in 2016. Death Valley National Park recorded a scorching 122 degrees, topping the previous record of 121 degrees set in 1996.
The extreme heat has arrived weeks earlier than usual, even in areas at higher elevations. Reno, Nevada, typically experiences a high of 81 degrees Fahrenheit this time of year, but temperatures soared to a record 98 degrees on Thursday. Central and southern Arizona will continue to experience triple-digit highs this weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 110 degrees.
The National Weather Service has extended excessive heat alerts for Arizona and Nevada until Friday evening. Las Vegas’s heat alert has been extended through Saturday. Residents are urged to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated, such as drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day, and seeking air-conditioned shelter if possible.
Despite the scorching temperatures, some individuals are still venturing outdoors. In Phoenix, Oscar Tomasio of Cleveland, Ohio, proposed to his girlfriend, Megan McCracken, while they were hiking up Camelback Mountain. The couple started their hike early to avoid the worst of the heat, but they still had to carry 3 liters of water each.
The extreme heat is a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to stay cool and hydrated. Stay tuned to local weather forecasts and follow the advice of health officials to avoid heat-related illnesses.
