Las Vegas is easing into the holiday heat. By 5:40 a.m. PDT Thursday, May 21, 2026, skies over the valley were clear and the KVGT observation logged about 64°F. Forecasters are calling for a dry, sunny afternoon, a high near 94°F and light east-southeast breezes.
Warming Trend Through Memorial Day Weekend
Temperatures will keep climbing into the holiday stretch, running several degrees above seasonal norms by the weekend. Most lower desert neighborhoods fall under a Minor HeatRisk (Level 1), with pockets of Moderate (Level 2) in low-elevation valleys such as Moapa and the Colorado River corridor. According to NWS Las Vegas, anyone planning outdoor fun should bring plenty of water and schedule frequent shade or air-conditioned breaks.
Weekend And Memorial Day Outlook
Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 are both projected to top out near 98°F, with overnight lows stuck in the low 70s, so there will not be much of a cooldown after dark. Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, is expected to peak near 97°F, which means daytime events and parades will feel hot for much of the day.
Gusty Winds Return Tuesday
A Pacific trough is forecast to move through on Tuesday, May 26, shifting winds to the southwest and bringing gusts that could reach 30 to 40 mph along with a modest cooldown. Those gusts could kick up dust, rattle lightweight outdoor gear and make highway travel uncomfortable for high-profile vehicles, so secure loose items and watch for advisories if the forecast tightens.
Heat Safety And Cooling Centers
If you do not have reliable air conditioning, Clark County opens daytime cooling stations, and many library branches serve as public cooling centers during heat events. You can call 2-1-1 if you need help. For a full list of sites and hours, check Clark County’s cooling stations page.
Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening, drink plenty of water, and check on older neighbors, young children and pets. Expect updates here if any heat watches, warnings or wind advisories are issued ahead of or during the holiday weekend.
