Las Vegas temperatures spike early: What you need to know to stay safe in the heat

Las Vegas is seeing a rapid rise in temperatures, and health experts warn the early heat could catch both locals and visitors off guard.

An extreme heat warning is in effect until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Here are the latest updates:

First heat record broken

Las Vegas officially hit 90 degrees for the first time this year on Wednesday, March 18.

Not only that, we've now broken the previous heat record for this day with a temperature of 91 degrees recorded at Harry Reid International Airport at 2:40 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Clark County activates cooling stations

The extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service has prompted Clark County to open free cooling stations to locals from March 19 to March 21.

This is something the county does every year during periods of excessive heat, though this year it's coming on much earlier than usual.

You can find the county's list of public cooling stations here.

Clark County cooling stations March 19-21 by aroberts.news

Splash pads opening

Just in time for CCSD spring break, the City of Las Vegas opened a splash pad in each ward beginning March 13.

• Ward 1 – Rainbow Family Park, 7151 W. Oakey Blvd.
• Ward 2 – All-American Park, 1551 S. Buffalo Drive
• Ward 3 – East Las Vegas Family Park, 4480 E. Washington Ave.
• Ward 4 – Trigono Hills Park, 3805 Cliff Shadows Parkway
• Ward 5 – Kianga Isoke Palacio Park at Doolittle Complex, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
• Ward 6 – Centennial Hills Park, 7101 N. Buffalo Drive

While the city originally said those would only stay open until March 23, those still searching for relief from the heat will have the county's splash pads available, as those open March 20 due to the extreme heat.

Abel Garcia talks to a health expert about how to protect yourself when temperatures spike

Even longtime Las Vegas residents should take precautions. Heat this early in the year can still take a toll.

One piece of advice that often gets overlooked: watch your alcohol intake.

"Limit our alcohol consumption. A lot of us, or maybe those who are visiting, visiting again, you know, they're here on their vacation, they're going outdoors, maybe having drinks, not realizing it's super hot," Alexis said.

Experts also recommend staying in the shade or an air-conditioned space during the hottest hours of the day. Drinking water often and checking on anyone at risk — especially seniors and children — are also key steps.

If you have health-related questions or want to share what you're facing in this heat, email abel.garcia@ktnv.com.

Southern Nevada pavement can exceed 140 degrees. An ER doctor warns of severe burn and heat stroke risks

Asphalt and concrete surfaces in Southern Nevada can climb above 140 degrees during sustained heat events — hot enough to cause severe, deep burns in seconds, according to the medical director of a local hospital emergency department.

WATCH| Abel Garcia talks to Dr. Ketan Patel about heat stroke and burn risks

Dr. Ketan Patel, medical director of the UMC Emergency Department, said many people may not realize how dangerous ground surfaces can become during long periods of extreme heat. He said he is seeing those injuries firsthand, and that they can require long-term care.

Patel also cautioned the public about heat stroke, warning that it can impair a person's ability to recognize they are in danger.

"Heat stroke indicates that the brain is involved… people may not be coherent, may not make sense, may not even comprehend that they need to get themselves out of the heat — and that really is a severe kind of heat illness," Patel said.

Patel said prevention is always better than treatment. He advised people to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and recognize the early signs of heat illness before it progresses to heat stroke.

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