Extreme heat has hit Las Vegas, with a box of crayons reportedly melting in a viral post. In response, the Bruce Solutions Center is providing free water to the community this week. On the flip side, some resorts are struggling to cope with the conditions. OYO Hotel & Casino, located off the Strip, experienced air conditioning failures, leading to temperatures in some rooms exceeding 80 degrees despite large fans placed in the lobby.
Conversely, a hotel downtown is capitalizing on the weather by promoting its pool area. Circa offers a package for $400 from Sunday to Wednesday, which includes two nights, $100 in food and beverage credits, and a daybed at its Stadium Swim, situated near one of the largest pools in Las Vegas.
On July 7, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Las Vegas reported that temperatures soared to 119 degrees Fahrenheit (48.3 degrees Celsius) around 3:15 PM. By 3:38 PM, the mercury reached 120 degrees, setting a new all-time record, based on measurements taken at Harry Reid International Airport. This extreme heat contributed to a streak of six consecutive days with temperatures at or above 115 degrees, surpassing the previous record of four days recorded between July 16-19, 2005. An excessive heat warning is currently in effect through Friday, July 12.
Prior to this month, the previous highest temperature recorded was 117 degrees on June 20, 2017. Generally, July has the highest average daily maximum temperature for any month, with a typical peak of 104 degrees. Although the official measurement is taken at the airport, there have been anecdotal reports of temperatures exceeding 120 degrees. Historian Mark Hall-Patton indicated that mercury thermometers reportedly indicated 131 degrees on a day in the 1930s when construction was underway on the Hoover Dam. He added that the museum's gauge recorded readings of 125 degrees on two occasions between 1995 and 2020.
Casino gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931, and the authority began recording official heat records in 1937. Consequently, this July is the hottest month recorded for Las Vegas casino operators. While elevated temperatures may keep players on-site, they also present challenges. Reports indicate that air conditioning issues at OYO led some employees to file complaints with the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). No formal investigation has commenced as of yet, but further action could follow if the hotel does not sufficiently address the complaints.
OSHA statistics reveal that there were 108 heat-related complaints in southern Nevada workplaces in June 2023, with 37% originating from the 'accommodation and food services' sector. In comparison, only 26 claims were filed in the same month last year. Surprisingly, the number of Workers' Compensation heat illness claims this year is at a historic low, with only 14 filed statewide so far, of which seven have been accepted. Since 2017, there have been at least 40 accepted claims annually.
Aside from OYO, many properties are well-prepared to handle rising temperatures typical of Las Vegas summers. Brendan Bussmann, a consultant based in Las Vegas, noted, "A record is a record, but visitation has always been strong in the summer." While the June visitation data is not available, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported 3.65 million visitors in May, marking a 5% increase compared to last year. Moreover, the summer months of June, July, and August witnessed visitation increases of at least 1% over 2022.
Bussmann emphasized that while the heat does not significantly alter operations, extra attention is given to outdoor staff, including security, pool workers, and valets. He stated that resorts do an excellent job managing summer conditions. Additionally, advancements in power and water systems, including solar technology and water recycling, aid the city's large resorts in their operations. According to Bussmann, "All these properties look into conservation," focusing on solar installations on rooftops and water reuse methods.
Despite these measures, potential visitors must still decide whether to brave the heat, which may deter even the most dedicated gamblers.
Stadium Swim at Circa has gained popularity among sports bettors since its opening in October 2020, although occupancy has recently been affected by the heat. Jeff Benson, the sportsbook operations manager for Circa, remarked, "With the heat, people have been more inclined to stick at home and be in the AC than come out and wander Fremont Street, be in the casinos or stop at Stadium Swim." Prior to July, foot traffic was strong due to the NBA and NHL playoffs; however, reports indicate a decrease in visitors during the heatwave. Still, Benson noted that promotional activities have been successful this summer and expressed optimism about upcoming events, including the UEFA European Championships and the CONMEBOL Copa America, as well as the summer Olympic Games scheduled for July 29 to August 11, which are expected to bring larger crowds, even in the current heat conditions.
