Las Vegas is wasting no time jumping toward summer. After a cool overnight low near 57°F, the valley is heating up fast under clear skies, with abundant sunshine pushing today’s high to around 87°F on Friday, March 13. Light winds and very low humidity will keep the air dry, so if you are sensitive to heat, it is smart to front-load outdoor plans into the morning or wait until evening.
Heat Builds Into Next Week
The warmup does not stop this weekend. High pressure is set to strengthen over the region, driving temperatures well above normal by the middle of next week. Forecasts show highs climbing from the upper 80s over the weekend to the low 90s on Tuesday, March 17, then likely topping out in the upper 90s on Wednesday and Thursday, March 18 to 19. Some outlooks nudge the high close to 99°F, which would mean a Minor to Moderate heat risk for people who are especially sensitive to heat. For the latest details and the official heat outlook, check the National Weather Service Las Vegas office.
Records Are On The Table
Climate records suggest several daily high temperatures and warm overnight lows are only a few degrees away from the current forecasts, so a couple of locations may take a run at record territory this week. Even if records hold, the lack of cooler nights will cut down on overnight relief and boost heat stress, especially for outdoor workers and anyone without steady access to air conditioning.
River Winds Could Make Lakes Choppy
It will not just be the heat getting your attention. A tightening pressure gradient on Sunday and Monday, March 15 to 16, is expected to funnel gusty northerly winds down the Colorado River Valley. Gusts will commonly run 25 to 35 mph with isolated bursts over 40 mph, kicking up choppy waves on Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu. Those conditions can make boating hazardous, so wear a life jacket, secure loose gear, and avoid small-craft outings when the gusts really start to crank. This wind and lake hazard is highlighted by the National Weather Service Las Vegas office.
How To Stay Safe
When excessive heat warnings are issued, Clark County opens daytime cooling stations around the valley. Anyone who needs a cool place to ride out the hottest hours can call 2-1-1 to find nearby locations. Health officials also stress the basics: drink plenty of water, skip strenuous outdoor activity during the peak afternoon heat, wear light clothing and sunscreen, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even for a short time. Local tips and the county’s heat-safety resources are available from the Southern Nevada Health District.
Forecasters will be fine-tuning the details as the pattern evolves through next week, and even modest timing shifts could change when and where the hottest readings land. Before you head out to work, hike, or hit the water, a quick check of the National Weather Service forecast and local advisories can help you stay one step ahead of the heat and wind.
