Southern Nevada is facing an “extreme heat watch” later this week, following a cool and wet start to May. This alert, issued by the National Weather Service, will be in effect from Friday morning through Saturday night. Forecasts predict temperatures will soar to between 104 and 108 degrees in the Lake Mead area, 100 to 105 in the Mojave Desert, and 105 to 109 in the valleys of Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas and Pahrump. Death Valley could see temperatures exceeding 115 degrees.
These conditions may set new records, as the average high for late May typically hovers in the low 90s. The National Weather Service advises residents to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned environments, avoid sun exposure, and check on vulnerable individuals. It is crucial not to leave children or pets in vehicles, as temperatures inside cars can become deadly very quickly.
In response to the heat, Clark County has opened cooling stations available to the public, including those experiencing homelessness, during the daytime on Friday and Saturday. For more information and a list of these cooling stations, visit helphopehome.org/get-help.