Heat wave forecast for Fourth and beyond

Fireworks are illegal in Douglas County, but no one told Mother Nature since it’s going to be hot as a firecracker this weekend.

With high temperatures predicted to crack 100 degrees this weekend in Minden, the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch for Saturday through Monday.

High temperatures are expected to hit the upper 90s today through Friday before the National Weather Service forecasts 101 degrees on Saturday and 102 on Sunday.

Carson Valley often experiences a brief spell of temperatures above the century mark during the summer.

The record for July 6 is 109 degrees set in 2007, which was the hottest in a four-day string of records set July 5-8 that year, according to National Weather Service records.

“A moderate to locally major heat risk is expected for the July 4th holiday with the major heat risk expanding over the holiday weekend,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Tyler Salas.

The hottest conditions are expected to continue until at least Monday and will be made worse by warm nighttime temperatures.

“To compound the heat risk, nighttime lows in the mid-60s to 70s provide little to no relief from the daytime heat from Thursday through Sunday,” Salas said. “It is highly encouraged to consider the upcoming heat risk when making plans for this week and weekend, especially for Independence Day, and to take your heat safety precautions.”

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is anticipating a busy Fourth of July at Lake Tahoe as people flee extreme temperature conditions in lower elevations.

An excessive heat warning was issued for most of California west of the Sierra through 8 p.m. Saturday.

“Due to the volume of celebrants within the Stateline casino core, Nevada Beach, and Zephyr Cove areas throughout the week, into the weekend, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is reminding our residents and visitors to be safe and mindful of the laws surrounding their festivities,” Sheriff’s officials said. “Hot weather and dry conditions continue to raise concerns about fire danger as we prepare for the 4th of July weekend ahead. Please be aware of the fire restrictions where you are celebrating.”

Personal fireworks are prohibited in Douglas County and the rest of the Sierra Front.

“Each year during these events, a large percentage of contacts and arrests are made of persons under the age of 21,” according to the Sheriff’s Office. “The curfew in Douglas County is midnight on July 4th and throughout the summer. Persons under the age of 18 are subject to citation for being in violation of this ordinance. Persons under the age of 21 who are in possession of alcohol or under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be subject to arrest.”

Personal possession of alcohol is prohibited at Nevada Beach by county ordinance and at Zephyr Cove. Containers and their contents will be confiscated and those possessing them will be subject to citation or arrest.

“Throughout the Stateline casino core area, Zephyr Cove and Nevada Beach, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Nevada Highway Patrol will have increased patrol personnel on duty as well as in both the Carson Valley to handle calls for service and traffic enforcement, particularly targeting speeding and intoxicated drivers,” according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Those hitting the water to cool off are required to have a personal flotation device on all vessels operating on Lake Tahoe and Lake Topaz, including jet skis, kayaks and paddle boards.

While it’s going to be hot above water, the water in Lake Tahoe is around 63 degrees, and poses a danger for cold water shock.

“Lake Tahoe is very cold year-round,” according to the Sheriff’s Office. “You have one minute to control your breathing and 10 minutes to self-rescue. If you cannot do either of those, drowning is high risk.”

That’s another good reason for someone jumping into the Lake to wear a lifejacket.