The mercury may climb to 116 degrees Fahrenheit in Las Vegas on Thursday, which would tie a record set in 1985. Sin City's all time high is 117 and that was reached in 1942 and then again in 2005. As a result, the heat wave is expected to put significant pressure on electricity supplies.Rachel Laing, a spokeswoman for San Diego Gas and Electric Co., in a North County Times Report said the California Independent System Operator predicts statewide statewide use to reach 47,500 megawatts after people return to work later this week, or within range of the all-time record of 50,270 megawatts set in July 2006."There is going to be a crunch on Thursday," Laing said, as workers seek to cool offices that sat empty on the holiday.
The AP reports in Bullhead City, Ariz., it was 122 on Wednesday, while Phoenix hit a scorching 116, Yuma, 114. Tucson was the cool spot at 110.
Forecasters predict the dangerous heat to last for at least a few more days.
Cooling Centers have even opened up to give comfort for those who have no shelter, shade or air conditioning. Chairs, tables, water, and, most importantly, air conditioning will be available to people looking for heat relief.
"We're just trying to provide needed services to our residents," said Fire Chief Ken Mitten of Merced, CA in a statement released earlier this week. "The cooling center seems to be an area of high need, so we're working with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services to address the problem of high heat."
Health officials are saying that if you do have to go outside - wear light-colored clothes, drink lots of water and stay in the shade. Don't rely on electric fans during a heat wave. When the temperature is in the 90s or above, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is a better way to beat the heat and keep your body temperature at a safe level.
Make sure clothing is lightweight and comfortable.
Avoid the hottest parts of the day by scheduling activities during cooler hours (mornings and evenings).
Never leave infants, children or pets unattended in your car, not even for a moment.
Children up to age 4, people taking certain medications and seniors age 65 and over are particularly vulnerable to hot weather and should be monitored throughout the day for signs of heat-related illness.
Last summer a heatwave in the Western U.S. killed dozens of people.
