LAS VEGAS NEWS
Las Vegas's Wild Weather
By Harper Julius
Las Vegas weather is a very specific type of weather. Most of our weather is very dry being that Nevada is a desert. But how do our harsh summers and cold dry winters affect our people,ecosystem,and economy? How do we protect ourselves from the elements? First, we should know how certain weather happens. Specifically weather that is uncommon here.
Winter
Recently we have had an influx of different types of weather that we don’t normally have. For example, it has snowed a few times on school grounds.
When we have snow or rain it is usually because of weather in different states near us. In Nevada to make rain or snow we need clouds. Spespicaly rain clouds. Clouds require 3 things to form and produce rain/snow. Up drift, moisture in the air, and low temperatures. Our weather has 2 out of those 3 things. We have drift and low temperatures at night and in the winter. Unfortunately we don't have enough moisture to make snow or rain as often as we would like.
In California there has been recent flooding. This flooding has caused moisture to travel to Neavda causing snow and rain as recent temperatures have dropped to the low 30s close to freezing point.
Deadly Summers
Not just Nevadas winters can be harsh, the summers are too. In the summer we have high temperatures of 115 degrees to 105 degrees. Staying in your home sounds like a good idea but if your AC breaks or you don't have running cool water it can be even more dangerous than outside. Heat related deaths here in Nevada are nothing to laugh about. There have been many deaths from heat stroke, mostly targeting the homeless population here. Deaths by heat stroke and other heat related ailments have doubled in 2021, with 245 people. Prolonged heat exposure can kill someone or prolong other health issues.
Risk
People at a higher age or have or had abused drugs before are at greater risk. People who have had a long term use of drugs makes it harder for their body to regulate its temperature. Most people at a higher age have other health conditions including but not limited to obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness and poor circulation. All of this could contribute to how well your body reacts to prolonged heat. Leaving young kids and pets outside for too long can also cause death or heat stroke.
Safety
If you work a hard job or one outside then its best to take breaks and drink a lot of water. Along with staying indoors in a shady area. Keep kids and pets indoors on hot days. Check the weather and make sure it's a safe day for exercising or outdoor activities.
Drought & Heat Waves
Nevada's current heat wave days that are classified as dangerous are about 20 days out of the year. Studies show that by 2050 about 30-35 days out of the year will be classified as such. The number of average heat waves as risen form 15-55 days out of the year.The high temperatures of Nevada has also contributed to drought in the state. High temperatures have put and will put strain on our water resources. With Nevada being the driest state in the US this makes the summers in Las Vegas get uncomfortably hot and the winters very cold, making the more mild spring and autumn months the most enjoyable time of the year for Neavdians and visitors.
Links of sites used:
https://weatherspark.com/y/2228/Average-Weather-in-Las-Vegas-Nevada-United-States-Year-Round