A wave of life-threatening heat is expected to blaze through the Western U.S. this weekend, breaking records as temperatures soar to 120 degrees.
Red Cross officials advise people in Western states to stay hydrated, cover themselves with sunscreen, wear light clothing and take frequent breaks when working outside, according to the Las Vegas Sun. In Nevada, temperatures reached 115 degrees, and it is only expected to get hotter.
Thirty-four people at the Vans Warped Tour music festival were transported to the hospital Friday from heat exhaustion, and and 206 were treated with water and shade on scene, Clark County spokesman Erik Pappa told the Sun.
Las Vegas Fire and Rescue spokesman Tim Szymanski said that the team responded to 35 heat-related calls and transported seven people to area hospitals with heat exhaustion.
"This is the hottest time of the year, but the temperatures that we'll be looking at for Friday through Sunday, they'll be toward the top," weather service meteorologist Mark O'Malley told the Star Tribune. "It's going to be baking hot across much of the entire West."
Dan Kail from Pittsburgh was vacationing in Las Vegas this weekend when he learned that temperatures could reach 130 degrees. He decided to make a trip to Death Valley, one of the hottest locations on the planet.
"Coming to Death Valley in the summertime has always been on the top of my bucket list," the 67-year-old Pittsburgh man said to the Tribune. "When I found out it might set a record I rented a car and drove straight over. If it goes above 130 I will have something to brag about."
Valley Health Service and Red Cross Officials advise being aware of heat exhaustion symptoms such as muscle cramping, heavy sweating, nausea and vomiting, pale skin or weakness, and to seek a cool place, drink a half-glass of water every 15 minutes and apply cool, wet clothing to the skin if these symptoms occur.
