Hot Temperatures This Week

Hot temperatures are returning to the Sierra and western Nevada this week (forecast details). Although some new record maximum temperatures may be hit this week, we are largely past the climatologically "hottest" part of the year. We typically see our hottest temperatures during July where the city of Reno can easily surpass 100 degrees for multiple days in a row. Although this past July was an exception to that rule since we had a significant monsoon push with thunderstorms for much of the month.



Here are a few snapshots at the forecast maximum temperatures we are expecting for early this next week. 


So what? It is going to be in the 90s and near 100 degrees out in central Nevada, no big deal right? Well it can be a big deal for those who spend their days working outside, especially for fire suppression personnel out on many of the large ongoing fires in the region. Since we are looking at multiple days of these hot temperatures, it would be a good idea to have some plans for mitigating the heat and to have some cooling options, especially if you plan on being outdoors! 

Here are some additional steps you can take to stay safe during a heat wave:
  • Drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages. 
  • Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
  • Find a place to cool off. If you don’t have air conditioning at home then spend some time in a public location that does, like a shopping mall or a library.
Avoid spending time outside during the peak heat of the day (typically 10am – 3pm). If you exercise outdoors, avoid the worst of the heat by going early in the morning. If you work outdoors, check out the heat safety tips for workers from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

One of the most important things to remember is to NEVER leave pets or children in cars, even for just a few minutes. There have already been 14 heatstroke deaths of children THIS YEAR! 

Courtesy of http://www.noheatstroke.org/ through San Jose State University

There is also a very telling video going around the internet asking "How Long Can This NFL Player Tough It Out in a Hot Car?" Basically never EVER leave children or pets in a car unattended, even when it isn't that hot. There have been hyperthermia deaths during the fall, winter, and spring!
 
  • Honolulu, HI, March: A 3-year-old girl died when the father left her in a child seat for 1.5 hours while he visited friends in a Waikiki apartment building. The outside temperature was only 81 degrees. 
  • North Augusta, SC, April: A mother left her a 15-month-old son in a car. He was in a car for 9 hours while his mom went to work. She is now serving a 20-year prison sentence. 
  • Greenville, TX, December: A 6-month-old boy died after being left in a car for more than 2 hours by his mother. She was charged with murder. The temperature rose to an unseasonably warm 81 degrees on that day.
For more information on Heat Safety please check out this website and be sure to follow #BeatTheHeat on Twitter. 





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