Las Vegas is sweltering through its fifth consecutive day of temperatures hitting 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46.1 Celsius) or higher, shattering heat records. This relentless heat wave is set to keep much of the U.S. under its scorching grip through the weekend.
Record Heat
On Wednesday, temperatures soared to 115 degrees just after 1 p.m. at Harry Reid International Airport, breaking the previous record of four straight days at that temperature from July 2005.
With forecasts suggesting that this record might be extended or even doubled by the weekend, the heat wave is being called “the most extreme” since the National Weather Service started recording in Las Vegas back in 1937.
How Residents Are Coping
Since June 1, Las Vegas has shattered 16 heat records, including an all-time high of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.8 Celsius) set on Sunday, surpassing the old record of 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.2 Celsius). For longtime resident Alyse Sobosan, this July has been the hottest she’s ever felt. She avoids going outside during the day as much as possible.
“It’s oppressively hot,” she said. “It’s like you can’t really live your life.”
Health Risks
The extreme temperatures are taking a toll on health. Clark County, which covers Las Vegas, has recorded at least nine heat-related deaths this year, though the true number might be higher.
According to Alexis Brignola, an epidemiologist with the Southern Nevada Health District, even healthy individuals can struggle to cope with such intense heat.
“Even people who are generally healthy can experience heat illness when it’s so hot that your body can’t cool down,” Brignola said.
Emergency Measures
To support those most affected, including the homeless and those without air conditioning, emergency cooling centers have been set up across southern Nevada.
Despite these efforts, the area has faced excessive heat warnings on three separate occasions this summer, amounting to roughly 12 days of dangerous heat with little respite even after dark.
Community Resilience
Residents like Keith Bailey and Lee Doss are adjusting their routines to cope with the extreme heat. They met early at a Las Vegas park on Wednesday to exercise their dogs, Breakie, Ollie, and Stanley, before the temperatures became unbearable.
As Las Vegas endures this historic heat wave, the city’s resilience is being put to the test. With more scorching days ahead, both residents and officials are preparing for ongoing challenges.