It’s Getting Hot in Las Vegas … Literally

Yesterday, the National Weather Service issued its first “excessive heat warning” of the year for Las Vegas. It registered a whopping 108 degrees at McCarran airport.

Sure, situated smack dab in the middle of the desert, you’d expect it to be hot. But when you reach a certain temperature like this, it becomes possible the heat could endanger the health of visitors and locals alike. That is when the warning is issued.

So what should you do when this occurs?

• Try to stay indoors during the day as much as possible, taking advantage of air conditioning where you can. Persons with medical conditions that are aggravated by heat should take extra precautions to avoid going outside during the day.
• Drink lots of water. Even if you’re not very thirsty, drink some water. By the time your body registers extreme thirst, you’re already dehydrated. And even though juices and sodas will hydrate you, plain old water is still your best choice.
  
• Limit your intake of alcohol if planning to be outdoors during the day. That buzz can easily lead to dehydration with the added factor of high temperatures.
• If you must be outside during the day, wear light clothing, sunscreen and seek shade whenever possible.
• Make sure your children and pets are also hydrated and limit their time outdoors. Never leave either inside a car for any amount of time when it’s this hot.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the 100s for the rest of the week and beyond. Take care when out and about in Vegas during the summer days, ok?