Sizzling Heat in the Southwest into This Weekend

The temperatures will be sizzling hot the next few days across the Southwest, especially in the desert areas of Nevada, Arizona, and California. Heat alerts include Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego and Phoenix. Widespread triple digit heat will be found in the deserts today (Thursday), with 90s common in the rest of the Southwest. A strong ridge of high pressure is helping the heat expand and blow westward, similar to the Santa Ana winds found in the fall and winter months. Los Angeles will likely reach above the century point Friday and Saturday, as Las Vegas and Phoenix high temperatures around 110. Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness. Early symptoms include things such as headache, thirst, and muscle cramps. Serious symptoms include weakness, skin that is cool to the touch, fast but weak pulse, nausea, and fainting. Severe symptoms include hot and red dry skin, fast and strong pulse, sweating that has stopped, and unconsciousness. Untreated heat illness can lead to fatal heat stroke. Residents are reminded to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.   For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels