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
Record Highs Scorch West
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)   (Associated Press)

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. (More heat stories.)

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