Over in Death Valley is where records are at an all time high, in an area known as "the furnace" (creative commons)

READ MORE: Dangerous Heat Bakes Southern California 

Civic and emergency officials have been giving out warnings, saying that if ever there was a time to worry, now would be it. Not simply because of the record highs, which are well over a hundred degrees Fahrenheit in multiple states, but because of how long the heat wave will seem to last and that it will likely get worse in upcoming days.

It is because of this heat wave that people need to stay hydrated on aware of their surroundings. An older man that recently passed away is thought to be the first known victim of the southwestern weather, found dead in Las Vegas in his home without any air conditioner or any other safe way to cool down.

From CNET:  

Paramedics found the man dead in his home, which did not have air conditioning, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue spokesman Tim Szymanski said.

He died of cardiac arrest and the heat may have contributed to his death, although the coroner will make the final determination.

Paramedics also responded to two "very serious heat related medical calls" on Saturday, even though the victims had air conditioning in the home or car, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue tweeted.

The weather in Las Vegas is at its record high of 115 degrees, though not as high as the record breaking cities of Phoenix, Arizona at 119 degrees and Death Valley, California at 127 degrees. Lancaster, California has also broken its record at 111 degrees.

The National Weather Service has also issued multiple warnings and advice to residents of the area to stay cool and away from hotspots. The heat wave is expected to continue into Tuesday night and start its decline on Wednesday morning.

NWS also encouraged people to avoid "strenuous outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking" during the warmest parts of the day. SCPR has provided "stay cool tips" for humans and pets on their website.

Local agencies have opened cooling centers around Los Angeles County. People can dial 211 or view an online map for cooling center locations.

Reach Executive Producer Eric Parra here.