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Record Highs Scorch West

Sizzling towns open swelter shelters for elderly as heat goes on

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 6, 2007 5:51 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A searing heat wave is likely to continue barbecuing the western U.S. today after record temperatures soared to 127 in Death Valley, 125 in nearby Baker and 116 in Phoenix yesterday. Las Vegas sizzled at 116 degrees with humidity in the single digits, and even northeastern Oregon cracked 107 degrees.

The dangerous weather has prompted authorities in California and Las Vegas to distribute water to the homeless and open public cooling centers for those at high risk for heat exhaustion—particularly the elderly, children, and those who live alone. "Don't go out in it unless you have to," warned one physician.

A heat wave will continue to grip much of the West Friday, while some afternoon thunderstorms are possible in the Southwest Friday July 6, 2007. More rain is likely in the Southeast, while the Northeast will see diminishing precipitation. (AP Photo/Weather Underground)
A heat wave will continue to grip much of the West Friday, while some afternoon thunderstorms are possible in the Southwest Friday July 6, 2007. More rain is likely in the Southeast, while the Northeast...   (Associated Press)
A cyclist cools off as he passes under the water misters down South Palm Canyon Drive during triple digit heat wave in Palm Springs, Calif., Thursday, July 5, 2007. Southern California's farming areas and deserts baked in triple-digit heat on Thursday as authorities opened cooling shelters for the elderly and...
A cyclist cools off as he passes under the water misters down South Palm Canyon Drive during triple digit heat wave in Palm Springs, Calif., Thursday, July 5, 2007. Southern California's farming areas...   (Associated Press)
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A street side digital thermometer shows the temperature in cathedral City, Calif., Thursday, July 5, 2007. Southern California's farming areas and deserts baked in triple-digit heat on Thursday as authorities opened cooling shelters for the elderly and urged people to turn down the air conditioning to reduce electrical demand. (AP...
A street side digital thermometer shows the temperature in cathedral City, Calif., Thursday, July 5, 2007. Southern California's farming areas and deserts baked in triple-digit heat on Thursday as authorities...   (Associated Press)
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weather • California • elderly • West • Arizona • Las Vegas • physician • United States • temperature • heat • heat wave • sun • hot • humidity • Idaho • rain

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