Las Vegas rolled into Monday under mostly clear skies and an unseasonably warm 61°F, but the real action is coming this afternoon. One more round of low 90s heat is expected before a cooldown finally takes the edge off. Tonight stays on the mild side, with valley lows only dipping into the upper 60s, so most neighborhoods can plan on a warm evening. Keep water and shade handy for pets and anyone working outdoors.
Forecasters are calling for a high near 91°F today, with south-southwest winds around 6 to 18 mph and gusts up to about 26 mph by late afternoon. Humidity will stay low, so the heat will feel dry instead of sticky, but the warm overnight low in the upper 60s means there will not be much relief after sunset. This marks the tail end of a weeks-long, early-season run of 90-degree readings across the valley.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds will strengthen through the afternoon and into the week, with gusts near 25 to 30 mph possible today and even stronger gusts expected from Tuesday through Thursday. The National Weather Service says some stretches along I-15 and I-40 could see gusts over 40 mph in exposed areas, according to the NWS Las Vegas. Patchy blowing dust is possible Tuesday afternoon across open desert, and the strongest gusts are most likely from Tuesday into Wednesday as weather systems move through. Drivers of trucks, RVs, and trailers should plan a little extra time and be ready for sudden crosswinds.
Spotty Showers Then Cooler
A pattern shift will bring a slight chance of rain showers Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Rain amounts in the valley look light, with the best odds for precipitation over higher terrain and the southern Great Basin. Snow levels should stay above about 8,500 feet, so any winter weather impacts will be confined to the mountains. Temperatures trend down through the week, with highs easing into the 70s to 80s by midweek and returning closer to normal by Friday.
Plan Ahead
Before the gusty afternoons hit, it is a good idea to secure patio furniture, shade canopies, and any loose outdoor gear, and to move outdoor events to morning or evening hours when possible. Boaters should keep an eye on conditions for choppy water on Lake Mead and other area reservoirs, and drivers of high-profile vehicles should use extra caution across exposed stretches of I-15 and U.S.-95. Check the NWS and local advisories for real-time watches and any updates to the wind or precipitation forecast.
More Context
This windy cooldown follows a historic March heat streak that pushed the valley into the 90s multiple times. For a deeper look at that early-season blast of warmth, see our earlier coverage: Valley Sizzles Into 90s.
