Las Vegas Weather: Record Dry Streak Ends as Rain Approaches

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The National Weather Service has extended its excessive heat warning for the Las Vegas area through Friday, but cooler temperatures are expected to arrive as rain and snow move in from the Pacific Northwest.

On Wednesday, residents can anticipate mostly sunny skies with afternoon highs reaching 54 degrees. In the western valley, temperatures will hover in the upper 40s to low 50s, accompanied by northeast winds of up to 10 mph. Air quality is reported as ‘good’ this morning, while pollen levels remain low.

As the day progresses, clouds will begin to overtake the sunny skies, with overnight lows expected around 40 degrees. By the end of the day, Las Vegas will mark 214 consecutive days without measurable rain, the second-longest dry streak in recorded history for the area. This unprecedented dry spell is set to end Thursday with widespread precipitation.

Forecasters predict a significant weather change, with an atmospheric river bringing heavy rain and mountain snow. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Spring Mountains and Sheep Range from 10 p.m. Wednesday through 4 p.m. Friday. Forecasters anticipate heavy snow accumulation above 7,000 feet, with totals ranging from 12 inches to 24 inches at the highest elevations. Mountain wind gusts may reach up to 50 mph as the storm rolls in.

In the valleys, rain showers are expected to commence before the Thursday morning commute, starting off light but becoming scattered throughout the morning. Light to moderate rainfall is expected to continue into the afternoon, with valley highs dropping to around 52 degrees in Las Vegas. A stronger band of rainfall is forecasted to occur late Thursday evening, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., accompanied by wind gusts of 25-30 mph.

The predicted rain totals for the valley range between 0.25 inches to 0.50 inches, with the majority of precipitation falling on Thursday. As the storm system moves eastward, shower chances will persist into Friday, when the valley’s high temperature will rise to around 60 degrees. However, a few wrap-around showers may still linger through the afternoon.

As the weekend approaches, drier air is forecasted to move in, leading to a mix of sun and clouds for Las Vegas. Highs are expected to reach the low to mid-60s, with temperatures continuing to climb into the following week. Early forecasts suggest highs of 65-67 degrees from next Wednesday through Friday, with wind gusts potentially exceeding 30 mph in the valley by Tuesday from a passing disturbance.

Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for weather updates as this significant weather event develops.