Las Vegas woke up under clear skies on Thursday, May 14, 2026, with early‑morning temperatures near 72°F and very low humidity. The valley is set to heat up fast, with sunshine locked in all day and a high near 97°F this afternoon, along with light east‑northeast breezes. If you are planning to be outside during the hottest part of the day, have water, shade and breaks lined up.
Heat Peaks Friday With A Shot At 100
Friday, May 15, looks like the scorcher of the stretch. The National Weather Service is calling for a high near 100°F, with south‑southeast winds of 2 to 16 mph and gusts that could reach 23 mph. Humidity stays low, which may sound nice on paper but actually raises heat stress risks for outdoor workers, vulnerable residents and pets.
Overnight will not bring much of a cooldown either. Lows are expected to settle only into the upper 60s to low 70s, so air conditioners will not get much of a break.
Weekend Winds Aim For The 20s To 30s
A system sliding into the Great Basin this weekend will flip winds to the southwest and crank them up on Saturday, May 16. Gusty conditions are expected across the Mojave Desert and along river corridors, with some spots seeing gusts in the mid‑20s to around 30 mph.
Boaters on Lake Mead and other area waters should be ready for choppy conditions, and drivers of high‑profile vehicles will want to watch for sudden gusts on exposed stretches of highway. Forecasters say wind headlines may be needed over the weekend into early next week, depending on how the pattern develops.
Staying Safe In The Heat And Wind
Try to tackle heavier outdoor chores during the morning or evening, hydrate often and check in on older neighbors or anyone without reliable cooling. Clark County maintains cooling resources for residents; see this local cooling stations and tips roundup for details. If you are heading out on the roads or the water this weekend, secure loose gear and be ready for gusty crosswinds.
