Record high at McCarran reaches 107 as heat settles into Las Vegas region

An extended early June heat wave has started with a Wednesday high of 107, tying an 18-year record at McCarran International Airport.

Readings at 6 p.m. reached 108 at North Las Vegas Airport and 106 at Henderson Executive Airport. The visitor’s center at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park reached 117 at 4 p.m.

Record update in #Vegas #nvwx pic.twitter.com/ijmiYmueLP

— NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) June 3, 2021

Just a few days after reaching 100 for the first time this year, excessive heat is forecast to cover the Las Vegas region for several days, according to the National Weather Service.

Starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday and going through Friday evening, temperatures will range from 105 to 111 across the area with highs up to 118 at Death Valley National Park.

Temperatures approaching record levels for early June will lead to a HIGH Risk of heat-related illness for much of the population through at least Friday and possibly into Saturday for the lower deserts around our region. #nvwx #azwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/2htCkIalQN

— NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) June 2, 2021

“The extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the weather service warning stated.

Winds to possibly help negate the heat won’t occur.

“We’re not looking for much wind at all,” weather service meteorologist Barry Pierce said. “Maybe a few dust devils might be kicked up. Generally winds will be less than 10 mph.”

The predicted highs will come within a few degrees of the record high temperatures, which are 107 for June 2 and 3 and 109 for June 4.

Overnight lows will be between 80 to 85.

Friday is projected to be the hottest day of the heat spell with a high near 108 in Las Vegas. The record for the date is 109. Winds will increase with gusts into the 20 mph range.

🌡️☀️ It's that time of the year here in the Desert Southwest!

Great advice from @Readygov, especially since we've issued our first Excessive Heat Warning for Thursday and Friday across much of the lower desert regions. #Heat #KnowBeforeYouGo #CAwx #AZwx #NVwx https://t.co/hYwzZKGtq1

— NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) June 1, 2021

Cooling stations open

On Tuesday afternoon, Clark County officials opened daytime cooling stations at community and recreation centers in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and at Catholic Charities downtown.

Two centers also will open in Laughlin, where temperatures are could reach 112 degrees along the Colorado River.

In the Las Vegas Valley, the cooling stations are:

— Walnut Recreation Center, 3075 N. Walnut Road (south of E. Cheyenne Avenue) Las Vegas Phone: (702) 455-8402 Hours: 7:00am-6:00 pm M-F

— Pearson Community Center, 1625 West Carey Avenue (west of N. Martin Luther King Blvd), Las Vegas, Phone: (702) 455-1220, Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm M-F

— Downtown Recreation Center, 105 W. Basic Road (east of Pacific Avenue), Henderson, Phone: (702) 267-4040 Hours: 11:00am-6:00pm M-F

— Catholic Charities, 1511 North Las Vegas Blvd (near Foremaster Lane), Las Vegas, Phone: (702) 385-2662, Hours: 12:00-3:00 pm daily

— Hollywood Recreation Center, 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd, (north of American Beauty Ave), Las Vegas, Phone: (702) 455-0566, Hours: 6:00am-8:00pm M-F

— Cambridge Recreation Center, 3930 Cambridge Street, (north of E. Flamingo Blvd), Las Vegas, Phone: (702) 455-7169, Hours: 7:00am-8:00pm M-F

— Whitney Recreation Center, 5712 E. Missouri Avenue, (south of Tropicana Blvd & west of Boulder Hwy), Las Vegas Phone: (702) 455-7576, Hours: 7:00am-6:00pm M-F

— SHARE Village (daily hydration only), 50 N. 21st Street (east of E Charleston Blvd), Las Vegas, Phone: (702) 222-1680, Hours: 6:00-7:00am breakfast pantry, 8:00-10:00am grocery pantry

— Downtown Senior Center (age 50+), 27 E. Texas Avenue (near E. Army Street), Henderson, Phone: (702) 267-4150, Hours: 12:00-3:00 pm M-F

— Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, 1401 Las Vegas Blvd. North (enter at 310 Foremaster Lane), Las Vegas, Phone: (702) 229-6117, Hours: 24 hours all days

— Downtown Recreation Center, 105 W. Basic Road in Henderson, open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, closed on Sunday, and open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. Call 702-267-4040

Cooling stations outside of the valley:

— In Laughlin: American Legion Richard Springston Post 60, 1510 Bruce Woodbury Drive, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on days with temperatures more than 112 degrees. An outside cooling area will be open for pets on a leash or in a carrier, but no pets will be allowed inside the building. Call 702-299-1510.

— Colorado River Food Bank, 240 Laughlin Civic Drive, Laughlin, 89029, Phone: (702) 298-9220, Hours: 8:00am-2:45pm Mon-Fri.

Hot well into weekend

The high pressure is expected to stay in place until at least the weekend, Pierce said.

“By the end of the weekend the high pressure may give way to highs in the upper 90s,” Pierce said. “It’s a bit unclear yet how much the high pressure may break down and what exact amount of cooling we might have.”

In a Twitter post, the weather service advised people to drink plenty of water, limit time outside to the cooler parts of the day and wear light, breathable clothing.

“Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location,” the warning stated, advising a call to 911 for assistance for possible heat stroke victims.

The Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross shared the following reminders:

— Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

— Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat, and take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

— Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, spend much of their time alone or are more likely to be affected by the heat.

— Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Marv_in_Vegas on Twitter.