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ST. GEORGE — An excessive heat warning that went into effect Thursday for northwest Arizona and southern Nevada is warning of temperatures possibly reaching 115 degrees in some areas, which can translate to far hotter temperatures in enclosed vehicles.
The heat warning was issued by the National Weather Service and remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday.
Affected area
Regionally affected areas in the Arizona Strip include Beaver Dam, Littlefield, Colorado City and surrounding communities, Pipe Spring National Monument and western Grand Canyon.
In Southern Nevada, communities along Interstate 15, such as Mesquite and the Las Vegas metropolitan area, as well as major recreation areas like Lake Mead and Valley of Fire State Park, are affected.
Hot cars
Enclosed cars left in the sun have the potential to become much hotter than the already scorching outdoor temperatures.
Mesquite Police in Nevada used the occasion to illustrate the deadly heat potential of hot cars on the department’s Facebook page, with one car’s interior temperature reading approximately 188 degrees Thursday.
It only takes a matter of minutes for a vehicle’s interior temperature to reach lethal levels, according to the National Weather Service.
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Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. They can suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes.
Anyone who observes a child or pet left alone inside a parked vehicle is encouraged to call emergency services.