Clark County and Southern Nevada Health District encourage precautions as early-season extreme heat arrives

“Beat the Heat Southern Nevada” campaign shares extreme heat safety tips

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 18, 2026

LAS VEGAS — With triple-digit temperatures expected to arrive earlier than usual, Clark County, the Southern Nevada Health District and community partners are reminding residents and visitors that Southern Nevada’s desert heat can be dangerous while sharing safety tips to help the community prepare for upcoming hot weather.

The annual “Beat the Heat Southern Nevada” campaign provides public education and resources to help people stay safe during the warmer months. Information is available at www.snhd.info/BeatTheHeatSNV, and includes fact sheets in English and Spanish as well as public service announcements.

According to the National Weather Service, 2025 was the fifth warmest year on record for Las Vegas, which recorded 77 days with temperatures reaching 100 degrees or higher. So far in 2026, the average temperature through March 15 is 57.6 degrees, the highest on record for this time of year. An early-season heat wave is expected to push temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above normal later this week, with forecasts indicating the region could exceed the all-time March record of 93 degrees at Harry Reid International Airport.

“While Southern Nevada is no stranger to extreme heat, we are facing an unprecedented heat wave months ahead of the summer season,” said Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, who has been spearheading the Beat the Heat efforts over the years and serves on the Southern Nevada Health District Board of Health. “Our bodies are not yet acclimated to these temperatures, and that puts people at greater risk for heat related illnesses. We are urging residents and visitors to take precautions and take this seriously, as conditions can become dangerous very quickly.”

“Heat-related illness is a preventable public health issue, but one that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations — including older adults, individuals who use substances and people experiencing homelessness,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “With extreme temperatures arriving earlier than usual this year, it is important that residents take steps now to prepare for the heat and know how to protect themselves and their families.”

Most heat-related medical issues occur when people are overexposed to heat or overexert themselves beyond what their age or physical condition can tolerate. Older adults, children and people with mental illness or chronic diseases have the highest risk of heat-related illness. Heat illness can also affect physically fit people, particularly those participating in strenuous outdoor activity in hot weather.

In 2025, the Health District reported 284 heat-associated deaths in Clark County, a 45% decrease compared with the 513 deaths reported in 2024. Of those deaths, 21% occurred in non-Clark County residents. The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner reported 298 deaths where heat was a factor in 2025, which may include deaths investigated by the coroner that occurred outside of Clark County. The Health District’s surveillance data include only deaths that occurred within Clark County based on available vital records data. While the decrease is encouraging, health officials emphasize that continued awareness and preparation are critical to preventing heat-related illness and death.

Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. Temperatures inside a car can reach 120 degrees, even when outdoor temperatures are in the 90s. In 2025, Clark County Animal Protective Services responded to 473 reports involving animals left unattended in vehicles, most during the summer months. County code prohibits leaving animals alone in vehicles during extreme heat.

Reports can be made to Animal Protective Services at (702) 455-7710. Pets that are outdoors must also have access to shade and fresh water.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps and dizziness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should move to a cooler place, drink water and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve. Health officials recommend the following safety tips to cope with extreme heat:

Drink water even if you do not feel thirsty.
Limit alcohol consumption, which can contribute to dehydration.
Carry water and a mobile phone when outdoors.
Remember to “Look Before You Lock.” Never leave children unattended in a vehicle.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a hat.
Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against sunburn and skin damage.
Check on friends, family and neighbors, especially older adults.
Limit outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours.

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About Clark County: Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 11th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.4 million citizens and 45.6 million visitors a year (2023). Included are the nation’s 5th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.