Hundreds of Thousands Told Not To Drink Coffee In 2 States

Residents are being advised to avoid drinking coffee as a heat wave is expected to send temperatures into the triple digits across Nevada and California this weekend.

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Las Vegas cautioned that both alcohol and caffeine can speed up dehydration, and instead advised people in affected areas to drink plenty of water or electrolyte-filled sports drinks.

Why It Matters

High daytime temperatures, combined with limited relief overnight, can lead to heat-related illnesses, particularly for individuals lacking air conditioning, children, the elderly, and those working outdoors, the NWS said.

What To Know

An extreme heat warning has been issued for desert regions of Nevada and neighboring southeastern California from Friday morning until Saturday evening.

“Temperatures Friday and Saturday will reach 104 to 108 in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, 100 to 105 in the western Mojave Desert including Barstow, and 104 to 109 in the valleys of southern Nevada including Pahrump, Las Vegas, and Moapa. Temperatures over 115 are likely in Death Valley,” the NWS said.

It added: “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

The agency has advised people in affected areas not to drink alcohol or caffeine as they speed up dehydration, and not to eat meals high in protein as it raises body temperature.

Further west, a heat advisory is in effect for northwest, north central, and south central California from Friday morning until Saturday evening.

The NWS forecast office in Sacramento warned of “dangerously hot” conditions, with temperatures expected to reach 107 degrees in the Sacramento Valley and nearby areas.

In central California, including the cities of Merced, Bakersfield, and Tulare, temperatures of up to 106 degrees are expected. Meanwhile, Trinity, Mendocino, and Lake Counties could see highs of up to 105.

What People Are Saying

AccuWeather meteorologist Heather Zehr said in an advisory shared with Newsweek: “This will be the first heat wave of the season in the West, outside of southern California. A strong area of high pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere will bring plenty of warmth.”

NWS Las Vegas, Nevada,said in a statement: “Temperatures will climb Friday and Saturday as high pressure builds over the region. An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for desert valleys including Las Vegas, Pahrump, Barstow, and Lake Mead. Beat the heat by staying hydrated and limiting outdoor exposure!”

NWS Hanford, California, said on X, formerly Twitter: “With 100°+ heat anticipated for the weekend, keep in mind that area lakes and rivers are still running cold, and in some cases, may have a 30° difference between air and water temperature. Warm air temperatures do NOT mean warm water temperatures!”