Excessive heat warning issued for four states amid “lethal” temperatures

Excessive heat warning issued for four states amid “lethal” temperatures

June 6, 2024 / Kevin harson /


Heat warnings have been issued for different parts of California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada, which are all set for temperatures described as “lethal” by forecasters.

The alerts cover much of California’s Central Valley and the Desert Southwest before the heat gradually becomes less extreme over southern Texas.

Heat can cause serious health problems, some of which can be fatal—including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is more likely to affect older people, those with high blood pressure and individuals working outdoors in hot temperatures. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst, heavy sweating and high body temperature.

A heatstroke is more serious. When the body can no longer control its temperature—which is ideally around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit—the sweating mechanism used to cool it down fails, and body temperature can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 or 15 minutes.

At this point, the body’s internal organs begin to swell and malfunction, which can lead to permanent disability or even death. Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, loss of consciousness, profuse sweating, seizures and high body temperature.

In California, warnings in effect until 8 p.m. on Friday include Kern River Valley, Mojave Desert Slopes, Indian Wells Valley, Mojave Desert, West Side Mountains South of 198 and the West Side Mountains. People in these areas can expect “dangerously hot conditions,” with temperatures ranging between 105 and 198 degrees Fahrenheit in different spots.

Warnings in place for an hour longer apply to the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, Coachella Valley, San Diego County Desert and Apple and Lucerne Valleys.

Temperatures in these places are expected to hit between 100 and 111 degrees Fahrenheit. The NWS said: “Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.”

In Arizona, heat warnings in place from 10 a.m. on Thursday to 8 p.m. PDT on Friday cover Western Pima County, Tohono O’odham Nation, Tucson Metro Area, South Central Pinal County, Southeast Pinal County and Upper Gila River Valley.

They are also in effect for Upper Santa Cruz River Valley/Altar Valley, Upper San Pedro River Valley and Eastern Cochise County below 5,000 feet.

Others cover portions of southwest Arizona and south-central Arizona, on top of Dripping Springs, Globe/Miami, Rio Verde/Salt River, San Carlos, Superior, Tonto Basin, Marble and Glen Canyons, Yavapai County Valleys and Basins, including the Verde Valley, and lower elevations of the Grand Canyon.

The NWS Tuscan AZ said: “Keep in mind you may need to adjust your plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines from CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and your local officials. Cooling shelters may need to take your temperature or ask questions about how you are feeling.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle under any circumstances.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loosefitting clothing when possible.

“To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heatstroke is an emergency! Call 911.”

NWS Map showing where “hazardous heat” is forecast. Multiple excessive heat warnings cover different areas in four states.

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Meanwhile, in Utah, heat warnings cover Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell, Lower Washington County, and Zion National Park.

The NWS Salt Lake City warned people that, amid these lethal temperatures, overnight temperatures will reach only into the mid-70s, “limiting overnight relief from the heat.”

The service also reminded people that “water temperatures this early in the season are still cold,” and they should remember to “practice water safety if recreating on area lakes.”

In Nevada, heat warnings have been issued until 9 p.m. PDT on Friday, covering the south of the state, Northwest Plateau and Owens Valley. Temperatures in some of these places could reach 122 degrees Fahrenheit, with the forecast for Las Vegas predicting between 107 and 114 degrees Fahrenheit. The NWS Las Vegas added that nights are not expected to bring much relief.

If Las Vegas does reach 112 degrees Fahrenheit, it will be its earliest such temperature on record, according to the NWS. The service said the heat will likely expand northward, across the Great Basin and into the interior Pacific Northwest by the start of the weekend.