The Associated Press (“AP News”) reports that parts of California, Nevada and Arizona are expected to bake this week as the first heat wave of the season arrives with triple-digit temperatures forecasted for areas including Phoenix, which last summer saw a record 31 straight days of at least 110°F.
Forecasters at the Southwest Coordination Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said weather in the region doesn’t typically become so hot until mid or late June.
Highs yesterday (6/3/2024) reached 110°F at Death Valley National Park in California near the Nevada line, 103°F in Phoenix and 105°F in Needles, California. In Las Vegas, where the high topped out at 103°F yesterday, temperatures will soar to 10 to 15 degrees above normal during the second half of the week — peaking at 111°F by Thursday (6/6/2024).
The AP News article may be read in full HERE.
KRQE News 13 (Albuquerque, NM) reports that the first heat wave of the year is hitting New Mexico this week. High temperatures are expected to climb into the 90-100°F range across New Mexico, with Roswell at 104°F yesterday afternoon (6/3/2024).
Thursday is expected to be the hottest day this week, as Albuquerque’s temperature will approach 100°F for the first time this year. A strong area of high pressure will move into New Mexico later this week, setting up a brief, weak, monsoon-like pattern for the weekend.
The KRQE News 13 article may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, according to the calendar, summer is not here yet, but it certainly feels like it has arrived! Please remember to take actions to prevent overheating, dehydration and sunburn as you enjoy outside activities and family gatherings.
The Mayo Clinic offers advice on the importance of staying hydrated, reminding us that water is critical to overall health. Every cell, tissue and organ in the human body relies on water to function properly, with water making up roughly 50 to 70 percent of our body weight. So, how can losing just a fraction of water negatively affect your body and mind? Water is critical to your health, because it:
- Regulates body temperature;
- Flushes waste from the body;
- Supports a healthy immune system;
- Lubricates and cushions joints;
- Promotes healthy digestion; and
- Improves memory, alertness, mood and sleep quality.
The Mayo Clinic article may be read in full HERE.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) remind us that most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (“UV”) light, which is a form of radiation that comes from the sun and can damage skin cells.
The CDC points out that in the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Standard Time). Skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States, is often caused by too much sun exposure.
The CDC recommends that we access shade, wear a hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers bare skin, and critically, that we apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher before going outside. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin, including hard-to-reach places like your back! And, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours if you remain out in the sun, sweat, swim and/or towel off.
Here is a CDC YouTube video that briefly addresses the importance of sunscreen use:
The CDC article may be read HERE.
FGGAM wants you all to enjoy the summer, but taking care of our bodies is important, as the work of the ministry and being Jesus’ hands and feet here on the earth requires us to stay healthy!
Let’s remember what the scripture says about our bodies:
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV)
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
