Mercury rising

Records are meant to be broken.

This weekend, a massive ridge of high pressure passing through Northern Nevada may bring historic temperatures to the area for this time of year.

Carson City's forecasted high temperature by the National Weather Service in Reno for Sunday is 90 degrees. The record for May 18 is 94 degrees set in 1948.

"Sunday's temperature will be the highest with the ridge of high pressure building in from the West Coast," said Jessica Kielhorn, meteorologist technician with the National Weather Service.

"It is unusual for this time of year."

The area's temperatures are running about 20 degrees above average for this time of year. The National Weather Service is forecasting today's high to be 90, and Sunday topping out around 90.

Monday, the temperature is expected to be around 90 and Tuesday's high is expected to be 86.

"A low trough is coming in from the northwest that will bring temperatures down the rest of the week," Kielhorn said. Wednesday's high is expected to be high 70s.

The same high pressure brought record-breaking temperatures to the Bay Area Thursday, with San Francisco hitting 97 degrees and San Jose reaching 99 degrees. Oakland's high of 98 surpassed the 1976 record of 87 degrees.

High temperatures should reach their peak between 3-5 p.m.

"We will be running above average even after Sunday," Kielhorn said. "Averages for this time of year are the low to mid-70s. Wednesday will be 79 and the rest of the week in the upper 70s."

People should avoid excessive exercise during the heat of the day, using the morning or late evening hours for walks or jogs. Pet owners should be as alert and cautious with their animals' health, by providing shade and fresh water every day.

"For dogs, a plastic pool with a little water in there is good for their comfort," said Pat Wiggins, supervisor of Carson City Animal Services. "They like to lay in it."

Wiggins strongly advises pet owners to never leave an animal in a vehicle, windows down or up in the heat.

"It's too hot when you're covered with fur. Animals don't sweat, they have to pant to reduce heat."

Wiggins said signs of distress in an animal include lack of energy, heavy panting and when gums are very light pink or white in color.

"If they're in heat distress, get to the vet immediately," Wiggins advises.

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

Heat exhaustion symptoms:

Pale with cool, moist skin

sweating profusely

muscle cramps or pains

feeling faint or dizzy

complaints of headache, weakness, thirst and nausea

Heat stroke symptoms:

Unconscious or abnormal mental status (dizziness, confusion, hallucinations or coma)

flushed, hot and dry skin

slightly elevated blood pressure at first that falls later

hyperventilating

core (rectal) temperature of 105 or more

Prevention of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Avoid heat exhaustion by not engaging in strenuous activity in hot, humid environments. People who are not used to the heat should be particularly careful. Intersperse periods of rest in a cool environment with plenty of available fluids to drink. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

Heat stroke often occurs in people who are unable to modify their environments: Infants, the elderly and bed-ridden people. People who are taking many types of blood pressure, allergy, or depression medication may also be particularly at risk and should avoid hot environments.

Source: emedicinehealth.com/heat