Las Vegas NowSouthern Nevada Still Under Excessive Heat Warning

Southern Nevada Still Under Excessive Heat Warning

Sunday was just the start of a three-day heat wave. Not only was it the first triple-digit day of the year in Las Vegas, it was the highest temperature for May 18th in at least 35 years.

Monday's 104 degrees edged out the previous high of 103 set in 1973. Forecasters say Las Vegas should expect more records to fall Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for southern Nevada. The valley will see the warmest temperatures of the year this week and officials want everyone to be prepared.

Keep your kids safe in the high heat

Peepe Sotomayor is a professional hiker who takes visitors on treks through the scenic canyons of southern Nevada. Monday Sotomayor spent the day at Calico Basin. He says over the years, he's seen the sun take its toll, causing dizziness and fainting for those who are unprepared.

The high temperatures are especially harsh on people who aren't used to the outdoors.

"If they're not exposed much to the outdoors, they're in more danger," he said.

Neighborhood Weather

Las Vegas resident Mike Labeau always brings water along on hikes. He learned the hard way when he first moved here ten years ago, not to take the sun lightly.

"When I first moved out here, I got really dehydrated because I didn't know how hot the heat was. Like 112 degrees the day that we moved out. I was drinking sodas all day and I felt myself getting real lightheaded and I passed out. And found out, you have to drink a lot of water," he said.

Signs of heatstroke

Anyone can suffer from dehydration. But toddlers and the elderly are at most risk of becoming seriously ill. Narnia Breathes has made some adjustments for her small children since moving here. She makes sure they stay well hydrated, and out of the sun completely in the middle of the day.

"We moved here from Virginia where you could just go for picnics under the oak trees in the afternoon. So it was kind of weird when we first moved here. Seems like people go to the playground early in the morning or late at night," she said.

Parents should watch out for these symptoms of dehydration in their baby -- irritability and crying without tears.

The Clark County School District is asking teachers to keep the students inside schools due to the heat.

"Kids don't know when they're exhausted, adults need to recognize kids can't continue to be out in hot temperatures for long periods of time," said Lynn Row, CCSD Health Services Coordinator.

The NWS has offered several safety tips when dealing with high heat: drink plenty of water, wear light colored clothing and apply sun screen, stay out of direct sunlight or remain indoors with air-conditioning, avoid alcohol, use wet cloths on the face, wrists, or neck for a quick cool-down, and always remember your pets -- they need plenty of fresh drinking water and shade to be protected from extreme heat.

Monday will be the warmest day of the week with an excessive heat warning in effect for the area. But there is good news. Tuesday may usher in some wind in advance of a cold front.