Temperatures soar past 100

Portales experienced its first two triple-digit temperature days in 2007 on Sunday and Monday.

The temperature climbed to a near-record 103 degrees on Monday after peaking at 100 on Sunday, according to AccuWeather.com

The record high for Aug. 20 is 105 set in 1930, according to AccuWeather.com data that dates to 1913.

In Portales, Curt Jaynes, owner of GardenSource Nursery and Landscaping, spent the day out in the heat. In his line of business, he encounters a variety of elements that must be dealt with daily. Today’s temperatures definitely caused some concern for the safety of his crew, Jaynes said.

To combant any of his employees suffering from heat stroke or other related problems, Jaynes makes sure that periodic breaks are taken, encourages the intake of lots of fluid and use of sunscreen, he said.

“What we do is have safety briefings and talk to them about it,” Jaynes said.

The temperature today in Portales will be near 100 degrees, then begin to taper slightly as afternoon thunderstorms roll through the area the rest of the week beginning Wednesday, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Frank Strait.

But it will still be warm for a couple more weeks at least, he said.

“In the last couple days the weather pattern is turned to more of what you would expect to see. (Portales has) dried out finally,” he said, explaining spring and early summer rain this year brought cooler summer temperatures to the area than is characteristic.

The heat was also a big factor at the Portales Ram football practice where players had to work out for several hours Monday afternoon with full pads and helmets.

“The risk is dehydration,” Ram head coach Andy Correll said. “We really monitor kids well, we give them lots of breaks, lots of water and Gatorade. (We) really haven’t had any problems just yet, but today’s been the hottest day we’ve had this year.”

CNJ Staff Writer Sharna Johnson contributed to this report.