Las Vegas is known for its hot days, but now its nights are sizzling, too. This summer, the city broke records with temperatures that didn't dip below 94 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive nights, according to the New York Times.
What's happening?
Sin City is facing a double whammy of rising temperatures. Atmospheric pollution is heating things up, and rapid urban growth creates a powerful "heat island" effect.
The result? Nights that are 20 to 25 degrees hotter than the surrounding desert.
In 2023, heat-related deaths in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, reached 294. But experts believe the real number could be several times higher.
Why are hot nights concerning?
When nights stay hot, our bodies don't get a chance to recover from daytime heat stress. This is especially dangerous for older adults, who make up over 80% of heat-related deaths.
The problem isn't just about comfort — it's a matter of survival. Air conditioning is often a necessity, not a luxury. But with rising housing costs and high eviction rates, many residents are struggling to keep cool.
"Your experience with that heat is very unequal. It depends incredibly on who you are, where you live and a constellation of other factors, including socioeconomic security," says Ariel Choinard, who leads the Southern Nevada Heat Resilience Lab at the Desert Research Institute. This inequality means some neighborhoods and communities are hit harder by the heat than others.
Hot nights also strain our energy grid and increase our carbon footprint as air conditioners work overtime.
What's being done about hot nights in Las Vegas?
The good news is that there are solutions, and you can be part of them. Here are some ways Las Vegas and its residents are fighting the heat:
City planners are getting creative. They're planting 60,000 native and adaptive trees by 2050 to provide natural cooling. They're also installing shaded bus shelters in the hottest parts of the city.
Architects and urban designers are rethinking how we build. They're advocating for more walkable neighborhoods, lighter-colored surfaces, and better-insulated buildings.
Individuals are taking action, too. Some residents are installing energy-efficient air conditioning systems, while others are using simple tricks like taking cool showers before bed or using ice packs to stay comfortable at night.
You can join the cool-down movement, too. Consider steps like planting trees or installing light-colored roofing materials. These not only keep you comfortable but can also slash your energy bills.
Inside your home, try using blackout curtains during the day and opening windows at night to let in cooler air. And don't forget to check on elderly neighbors during heat waves. A simple act of kindness can be a lifesaver.
By working together and making smart choices, we can turn down the heat in Las Vegas and other growing cities. It's not just about surviving the night — it's about creating a cooler, more sustainable future for everyone.
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
