LAS VEGAS (MCT) — Clutching his car-wash advertising sign, Alecio Daniels pranced in the punishing heat on a suburban street corner here, feeling like a chicken roasting in the oven. He eyed passing cars, the feverish air shimmering in the near distance blurring his vision.

Before the sun would mercifully vanish a few hours later, the temperature hit 114 cruel degrees, tying this city’s high-temperature record for this date, set in 2003. Sweat dripping off his nose, ear lobes and bearded chin, Daniels said he has a new name for a town accustomed to sweltering in this parched desert landscape.