Las Vegas rolled into Monday under clear skies and a crisp 50°F at Harry Reid International Airport, but the cool start will not last long. Sunshine dominates the day, with temperatures expected to climb to about 78°F and light south-southeast breezes that pick up later this afternoon.
Warming Trend and Small Shower Chances
The thermometer keeps inching higher through the week, with highs near 79°F on Tuesday, around 82°F Wednesday, about 87°F Thursday, close to 89°F Friday, and near 90°F on Saturday before nudging into the low 90s Sunday. Forecasters put the odds of Las Vegas hitting 90°F at roughly 25 to 50 percent on Friday and better than 75 percent on Saturday, which would be unusually early in the season, according to NWS Las Vegas.
A small chance of isolated showers hangs over far southeastern parts of the forecast area today, mainly south of I-40. Any storm that does pop could kick out gusty outflow winds of 30 to 40 mph, enough to send loose items skittering across the desert.
Afternoon Winds and the Commute
Winds stay light through the morning, then veer to the south and strengthen by late afternoon to around 10 to 12 mph, with occasional gusts near 18 to 20 mph. It is the kind of breeze that can nudge around unsecured patio furniture or tug at that half-fastened tarp. Boaters on the Colorado River and drivers of high-profile vehicles should be ready for channeled winds in river valleys that can make steering a bit of a workout.
Beat the Heat Tips
The warmth early in the week is more like a friendly reminder than a full-on heat emergency, but the weekend spike will run well above normal in many spots. Plan yard work, hikes, and other outdoor chores for the morning or evening, keep plenty of water close, and never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a short time.
When heat really settles in, Clark County coordinates daytime cooling stations to help people stay safe. Residents can call 2-1-1 or check local resources for locations, according to Clark County.
