RENO, Nevada: Last week’s weeklong heat wave that scorched the U.S. Southwest with triple-digit temperatures is finally easing, but forecasters warn that the relief will be temporary.
Cooler weather is expected over the weekend, but the National Weather Service predicts the heat will return next week.
Excessive heat warnings expired June 7 evening across most of the Southwest, although they remain in effect through June 8 in Las Vegas, which experienced record-breaking temperatures. Las Vegas hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) on June 7, surpassing the previous record of 109 degrees (42.7 Celsius) set in 2013. The city also matched its earliest 111-degree day on record on June 6.
Albuquerque tied its record high of 100 degrees (37.7 Celsius) set in 1981. Phoenix reached 113 degrees (45 Celsius) for the second consecutive day, although this fell short of the daily record. Death Valley National Park, near the California-Nevada border, recorded 118 degrees (47.7 Celsius) on Friday, short of its daily record of 123 degrees (50.6 Celsius).
Even higher elevation areas, typically cooler by about a dozen degrees, were affected. Reno, where the average high is 81 degrees (27 Celsius) this time of year, soared to a record 98 degrees (37 Celsius) on Thursday and repeated the temperature on June 7, just shy of its daily record.
Despite the extreme temperatures, no heat-related deaths or serious injuries have been reported in the Southwest. However, a 68-year-old man in Phoenix was hospitalized in stable condition after suffering heat exhaustion while hiking. Additionally, at a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Phoenix, 11 people were treated for heat exhaustion.
In Las Vegas, the Clark County Fire Department reported 20 heat exposure calls this week, leading to 12 hospital transports.
Elsewhere in the region, temperatures on June 7 reached 110 degrees (43.3 Celsius) in Needles, California, and 109 degrees (42.7 Celsius) in Palm Springs, California. In Arizona, Tucson, Yuma, and Bullhead City all hit 109 degrees (42.7 Celsius), while El Paso, Texas, saw 107 degrees (41.6 Celsius).
Andrew Dessler, a professor of atmospheric science at Texas A&M, noted that such extreme temperatures are becoming the norm due to climate change. “This is the new normal,” Dessler said. “It’s not just about this summer. Every summer for the rest of your lives is going to be hot.”
With the Southwest bracing for more heat next week, residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, and remain vigilant for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
