Las Vegas is waking up to clear skies and dry air Friday before temperatures climb toward 97 degrees. South winds will strengthen through the afternoon, setting up a blustery start to the holiday weekend before rain and thunderstorm chances arrive Sunday.
Friday Brings The Strongest Gusts
The Las Vegas Valley is expected to see south winds of 9 to 18 mph, with gusts up to 26 mph during the day. The National Weather Service says wind-prone valleys and higher elevations could see gusts of 30 to 35 mph, with some spots briefly nearing 40 mph.
A Lake Wind Advisory has been issued for Lake Mead and Lake Mohave from late Friday morning through Friday evening. Boaters should prepare for choppy conditions, while everyone else may want to secure loose patio furniture, umbrellas and anything else that the desert breeze can send on an unscheduled trip.
Weekend Forecast Turns Wetter
Saturday will remain sunny and hot, with a high near 97 degrees and almost no chance of rain during the day. Rain chances rise late Saturday night and early Sunday, when showers become possible after about 5 a.m.
Sunday is shaping up as the coolest day of the stretch, with mostly cloudy skies, a high near 89 degrees and a 50% chance of precipitation. Showers could arrive before late morning, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms from late morning through the afternoon.
Labor Day Dries Out Before Heat Returns
Labor Day will bring a sharp rebound to sunny weather and a high near 96 degrees, with only a slight chance of rain. Mostly sunny skies return Tuesday, when temperatures could reach 99 degrees, followed by another near-100-degree day Wednesday.
The forecast is a substantive update to the holiday outlook reported by Hoodline on Thursday, with the wettest period now concentrated around Sunday and Monday trending considerably drier. For outdoor plans, Friday calls for wind awareness, Sunday calls for a backup plan and the middle of next week calls for plenty of water and shade.
