Carson bakes under triple digits

The temperature in Carson City spiked to 100 degrees Monday, three degrees higher than Sunday and marking a new high for July 31.

The previous high record was 98 degrees set in 1978. The all-time high for Carson City is 103 degrees, recorded on Aug. 8, 1972, said Rudy Cruz, weather service specialist for the National Weather Service.

A record-tying high of 98 is expected today for Carson City and 97 for Wednesday. Today's record high of 98 was set in 1993, Cruz said.

Cloudy weather and thunderstorms are expected today and through the week.

Weather for the rest of the week calls for continuing abnormally hot weather in the upper 90s with morning lows in the 60s, Cruz said.

"We're in a good stretch of hot weather that will continue to the beginning or middle of next week," Cruz said. "We should return to normal conditions, around 90 to 95, next week."

Cruz also noted that the area hasn't had any measurable precipitation since June 8 and no good rainfall since May 16. About 1/100 of an inch of rain was measured at the Reno/Tahoe International Airport on June 8 and .18 inch there on May 16, Cruz said.

"It's been a while since we've had a good rain," he said.

"Always be extra careful of the dryness and possible lightning. Anything can trigger anything," he said, hinting towards the high fire danger.

Increased heat apparently didn't drive people into the cool water. The Carson City Aquatic Facility saw no increase in use with the abnormally hot weather, said Kurt Meyer, aquatic facility supervisor.

"It's been busy all summer long and it really hasn't changed," Meyer said. "It was as busy as any other Monday. It's been hot but we've been busy all summer long

A new 80-foot water slide at the pool remains a tempting draw for children, but problems with the slide and pool contractor are keeping the slide and the new indoor therapy pool closed.

"I'm positive we'd be busier if that slide were open," Meyer said.