Lake Mead Warning Issued Over 'Dangerously Hot Conditions'
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The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an extreme heat watch on Monday for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and surrounding regions as "dangerously hot conditions" are forecasted for Wednesday.
Why It Matters
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health issues.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include intense sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, and nausea. The agency estimates that over 700 people die each year in the U.S. from extreme heat exposure.
What To Know
The alert covered parts of southeast Arizona, as well as a neighboring portion of northwest Arizona, and southeast California—including cities such as Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, Needles, Mohave Valley, and the Hoover Dam area.
Forecasts indicated that afternoon highs could reach between 110- and 120-degrees Fahrenheit along the Colorado River Valley, prompting the NWS to advise residents and visitors to stay indoors and take immediate precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. The agency described these temperatures as "dangerously hot conditions."
"High temperatures in the lower elevations of southern Mohave County will be around 110 to 115 degrees," the alert added.
The NWS advised residents in affected areas to stay well-hydrated, stay out of the sun and in and air-conditioned room, and to check up on neighbors and relatives.
It also warned that car temperatures could reach "lethal temperatures" within minutes, and that young children and pets should not be left in vehicles unattended.
Aerial view of Boulder Basin, the northwestern arm of Lake Mead, is seen on July 3.
Aerial view of Boulder Basin, the northwestern arm of Lake Mead, is seen on July 3.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images
What People Are Saying
The NWS forecast office, Las Vegas, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: "Temperatures will continue to increase each day through mid-week with HeatRisk increasing to Major across southern Mohave County and the Colorado River Valley on Wednesday. As such, an Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for the aforementioned areas on Wednesday."
The NWS wrote on X last month: "During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. When your body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, you may experience a heat-related illness. Stay Weather-Ready by learning the symptoms of Extreme Heat exposure and the appropriate responses."
What Happens Next?
At the time of writing, the extreme heat watch was in effect from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening.
The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.
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