SUMMER IS HERE: Tips to survive the heat in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Across the valley, temperatures are set to hit and pass, the triple-digit mark this weekend.

Mother Nature is turning up the heat for July here in Southern Nevada, and for the first time this year, the thermometer is consistently bringing in highs more than 100 degrees.

With the rise in temperatures, local emergency room staff members are expecting an increase in the number of patients needing help from heat-related issues.

To avoid an issue, doctors say the first word of advice is to limit your time outdoors. Physicians say the most crucial move is going to be staying hydrated.

Along with taking care of your insides with a large bottle of water, medical professionals ask that you also remember that your outsides need protection, too. Shade from a hat, along with sunscreen will go a long way.

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Local doctors say when someone is brought in to their emergency rooms with heat-related illnesses, it usually means they‘ve been ignoring the signs their body‘s been giving off — warning of heat stress, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion can leave you to feeling dizzy and nauseous.

Dr. Marc Jesser, Emergency Room Medical Director with Summerlin Hospital says heat stroke occurs when the body loses its ability to sweat and cool down.

“You could actually pass out, you could actually have seizure, convulsions, you could go into a coma and that can be a big problem, you actually could get brain death from that,” said Dr. Jesser.

Dr. Jesser also asks that locals keep a close watch on high heat at-risk groups: kids, seniors, and pets.

When it comes to staying hydrated, he adds, water is the best option in drink choices. Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks are dehydrating, but if you’re wanting something with little more flavor reach for a Gatorade or even Pedialyte because those have electrolytes.