Southern Nevada is bracing for extreme heat with temperatures expected to soar 10-15 degrees above normal, potentially reaching record highs. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning from June 5 to June 7, affecting areas including Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and Death Valley, where temperatures could hit 120 degrees. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and be aware of heat-related health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.
A meteorologist in southern Nevada discovered webcam footage of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, early Friday morning. The impressive natural light show occurred due to a strong geomagnetic storm, reaching a level 3 out of 5 on NOAA's scale. While the phenomenon typically occurs in far northern latitudes, it can appear further south during strong storms. The webcam footage was captured at Angel Peak, a recreation area in New Mexico, providing ideal viewing conditions at nearly 9,000 feet.
Southern Nevada's economic future is at risk without the release of additional federal public lands, as the region faces a shortage of developable employment-purposed land by 2030. The lack of available land hampers economic diversification and limits the creation of quality careers needed for sustained population growth. The dwindling land availability also drives up costs, making the region less attractive for businesses looking to relocate. Efforts are underway to revisit the Clark County Lands Bill, which could provide opportunities for economic growth while protecting sensitive habitats. The support and involvement of both the public and private sectors are crucial for securing the necessary land and ensuring the region's economic future.
A red flag warning has been issued for parts of Southern Nevada and Mohave County due to strong winds and low humidity, creating inflammatory conditions for the next two days. The warning will be in effect from Sunday morning to Monday evening, with winds reaching 20 to 45 mph. With humidity at 5 to 10 percent, any outdoor fires that develop are likely to spread rapidly, and outdoor burning is not recommended until the warning is lifted.
Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, is under an excessive heat warning until Monday night, with temperatures expected to reach up to 125 degrees in Death Valley and 112 degrees in Las Vegas. The National Weather Service warns of major heat risk and advises caution for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Cooling stations have been set up, but experts note that warm overnight temperatures will provide little relief from the extreme daytime heat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a spike in cases of intracranial abscesses, a rare brain infection, in Southern Nevada. The ailment was identified in 17 pediatric patients in 2022, with a significant increase in cases seen after March. Symptoms can range from changes in mental status to seizures, and parents should seek medical care immediately if their children experience severe headaches, changes in personality or behavior, confusion or irritability, seizures, changes in speech, weakness on one side of the body, changes in vision, or a stiff neck or back. The CDC recommends washing hands often, avoiding sick people, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding contact with eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned of the growing threat posed by Candida auris, a drug-resistant and potentially lethal fungus that has triggered the largest outbreaks in the US at Southern Nevada hospitals and long-term care facilities. Since August 2021, more than 1,000 people in Southern Nevada have been infected with the fungus, with nearly 500 having clinical cases. The fungus is mutating in ways that make it resistant to the preferred antifungal drug for treating it, and eradicating it in places where it has taken hold is unlikely.
