Carson City area weather: Prolonged heatwave, soaring temperatures prompt warnings
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 07/04/2024 - 6:15am
A heatwave with the potential to shatter records will settle over Carson City and surrounding counties for the remainder of the week and into next week, bringing prolonged, scorching temperatures above 100 degrees and causing potential strains to the power grid, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures will begin closing in on the 100 degree mark Thursday and Friday, before soaring higher into the weekend and lasting into next week prompting the National Weather Service to issue an Excessive Heat Warning from Saturday through Wednesday.
The heat warning extends from Washoe County into Carson City, Carson Valley, Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Mineral counties. Temperatures are expected to be 100 degrees or more next week throughout much of the Silver State, as well as California counties that boarder Nevada.
Those looking for relief can find some, but not much, around Lake Tahoe and Sierra, with daytime temperatures soaring to the upper 90s to 100 degrees through next week, prompting a Heat Advisory from Saturday through Wednesday.
According to NWS forecasters, temperatures will heat up significantly from July 4 onward. Temperatures on Thursday will be near 100 across western Nevada, then heating further to near or above 105 degrees over the weekend and early next week, resulting in a prolonged period of what forecasters call a "Major Heat Risk."
NWS forecasters warn that heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
People should drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.
Meanwhile, NV Energy has advised customers to be prepared for potential outages due to strain on the power grid from the extreme temperatures and fire risk.
"Periods of extreme heat may cause isolated issues on NV Energy’s infrastructure, including equipment failure that can result in outages," the utility states in a news release. "NV Energy will have extra crews on standby throughout the weekend to quickly and safely respond to any outages that may occur. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as our crews may need to work in extreme heat conditions to make the necessary repairs and restore power safely."
NV Energy's advises customers to review its outage preparation tips to prepare ahead of any possible outage. Customers can also report outages and stay up to date on the number of outages, outage causes, number of customers impacted, and estimated time of restoration in the link here.
The utility offers the following tips that can help customers stay cool and conserve energy during time of extreme heat:
— Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
— If your A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and free of obstructions to maintain airflow.
Use the energy saver options for as many devices/appliances as possible.
— Keep windows closed. Keep outside air out and inside air in.
— Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use "solar drying."
— If you are away for the weekend, turn your thermostat up.
— During periods of extreme heat, the National Weather Service recommends staying hydrated and avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check back for updates.
