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How Long Can Heat Wave Out West Last?

Aired July 12, 2002 - 14:32   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Still sizzling out West, where energy supplies are stretched to the max and firefighters are on their highest state of alert. How much longer can this record heat wave last? We go to someone right in the middle of it all, John Fredericks, with our Las Vegas affiliate KVBC.

John, what do you think? What are those temperatures like?

JOHN FREDERICKS, KVBC REPORTER: Well, actually, Kyra, to be honest with you, good afternoon, first of all. It really isn't much warmer than average for us. In fact, yesterday's high in Las Vegas was 106. Our average high is 104.

But take a look some of the other numbers to the north of Las Vegas. Yesterday in Reno, second straight day of all-time high of 108. Their previous all-time high in history was like 106, and they've done this two days in a row.

Now, today, temperatures aren't quite as warm because it's only just before noon here. But still, Reno warm, 94. Their average high for the entire day right now is 92. So it's going to be another cooker up north. And you can take a look at Winnemucca, Nevada.

It is going to change. The big deal that's going on right now -- and this is not that much of an atypical weather pattern -- but high pressure dominating the west right now. Jet stream blocking all of the cold air up north in Canada. High pressure means the air is sinking.

As it sinks, it compresses, it warms. And as it stagnates, then with the days as long as they are, the short nights, we don't have the radiational cooling and it just goes on and on.

But there is going to be some changes in probably by the middle to end of next week. This is going to be a hard graphic for you to look at. But you can actually kind of make out the United States. There is the cool air.

This is tomorrow. The blues and the pinks, that's hot stuff. By the end of next week, it's going to be substantially cooler, particularly north of us. But we're going to stay about average here in Las Vegas.

PHILLIPS: All right, my dear Mr. Fredericks. Your font said Jeremy. My writers say John. What the heck is your name?

FREDERICKS: You can call me Jeremy. Just don't call me daughter.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: It's Jeremy?

FREDERICKS: No, it's John.

PHILLIPS: It's John, OK. Well, at least I got it right the first time. Sorry about that, John.

FREDERICKS: That's quite all right. I still love you.

PHILLIPS: And we love you, too. This is the first time we're meeting. Nice to meet you on live television, my friend.

FREDERICKS: You, too. And I'll be glad to go over and pick up your winnings at the Sports Book when I'm done.

PHILLIPS: That's what I wanted to ask you. What are you going to do in this heat today? I'm a big, avid golfer. I hear you are, too.

FREDERICKS: I have a tee time at 2:00.

PHILLIPS: You're crazy, you know that? Why not go into a cool casino and win some money?

FREDERICKS: You send me five bucks, I'll put it down on the keno for you, four-spot winner.

PHILLIPS: You've got a deal. I'll wire it to you in about 20 minutes, all right?

FREDERICKS: All right.

PHILLIPS: All right, John-Jeremy. Thank you so much. I'm going to nickname him J.J.

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