RENO, Nev. – The Southwest United States was engulfed in a scorching heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) on Thursday. This extreme heat wave affected states like Arizona and Nevada, where records were shattered as the region faced its first heat wave of the year.
Despite summer being two weeks away, nearly half of Arizona and Nevada were under an excessive heat alert, prompting the National Weather Service to extend the warning until at least Friday evening. In Las Vegas, the heat alert was extended through Saturday, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The sweltering conditions posed significant dangers, with the National Weather Service in Phoenix issuing a warning of “dangerously hot” temperatures. The city reached a new record high of 113 F (45 C), surpassing the previous record set in 2016.
While there were no reported heat-related deaths or serious injuries, incidents of heat exhaustion were reported in Phoenix at a campaign rally for Donald Trump. In Las Vegas, the Clark County Fire Department responded to multiple calls for heat exposure, underscoring the health risks posed by the extreme temperatures.
Other areas in Arizona, California, and Nevada also experienced record-breaking temperatures, with Death Valley National Park reaching a scorching 122 F (50 C). The early arrival of the heat wave, even in traditionally cooler regions, such as Reno, where temperatures reached a record-breaking 98 F (37 C), highlighted the unusual nature of this weather phenomenon.
Despite the forecast of mild cooling over the weekend, triple-digit temperatures were still expected in central and southern Arizona. The onset of the heat wave affected even higher elevations, reflecting the unusual and intense nature of the current weather patterns.
Amidst the sweltering conditions, tales of endurance and resilience emerged, like the story of Oscar Tomasio from Cleveland, Ohio, who proposed to his girlfriend on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. Despite the challenging hike and intense heat, Tomasio’s romantic gesture captured the spirit of determination in the face of adversity.
As the Southwest United States grapples with the early arrival of the heat wave, residents and visitors alike are confronted with extraordinary challenges. The record-breaking temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change and the need for preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.