News Summary
Las Vegas is facing a disappointing start to the monsoon season, with little rainfall and dominating heat. Chief meteorologist Tedd Florendo describes this year’s season as a ‘dud,’ noting only around 2 inches of rain so far. While there may be some thunderstorms expected Friday, conditions will soon shift to dry air and higher temperatures through the weekend, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the region’s climate.
Las Vegas is experiencing an underwhelming start to the 2025 monsoon season, which has resulted in slim chances for rain over the next few days, particularly as heat continues to dominate the region. Chief meteorologist Tedd Florendo has labeled the current season a “dud,” noting that the city has received just over 2 inches of rain since January 1, while the annual average is typically around 4 inches.
Despite the disappointing rainfall tally this year, the forecast anticipates possible showers and thunderstorms on Friday, especially in the afternoon and evening. While gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning are potential threats from incoming storms, the high temperature for Friday is expected to reach the upper-90s, aided by ongoing cloud cover.
Following Friday’s forecasted activity, dry air is predicted to push into the area on Saturday, drastically reducing the likelihood of any further precipitation. The temperature on Saturday is anticipated to climb higher, reaching around 102 degrees, with a diminishing chance of rain that is expected to linger into Sunday and the start of the following week, where daytime highs will hover around 102 degrees as well. This temperature is slightly below the average high of 105 degrees typically seen in early summer.
Monsoon Conditions in Las Vegas
The variability of monsoon seasons in Las Vegas is notable, with some years characterized by frequent rain and dramatic lightning storms, while others are marked by scant precipitation. This year’s monsoon season, described as lacking by experts, comes after 2022 witnessed its heaviest rainfall in over a decade.
Monsoons in the Las Vegas region are primarily influenced by a shift in wind patterns, most notably the transition from westerly or southwesterly winds to southerly winds. These southerly currents transport tropical moisture from the south, which is essential for storm activity. In addition to moisture influx, the region’s daytime heating fosters convective activity that stimulates thunderstorm development.
A significant factor affecting this process is the presence of an upper-level high-pressure system over the Four Corners region, which helps direct moisture towards Las Vegas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration points to moisture flow from Mexico as a crucial element for generating rainy conditions in the valley.
Raindrop Characteristics and Future Predictions
During monsoons, raindrops in the Las Vegas area tend to be larger than those produced by typical winter weather patterns. Furthermore, hurricanes originating from the Gulf of Mexico can potentially extend the monsoon season if they deliver substantial rainfall that becomes trapped in the prevailing high-pressure system.
Looking ahead, while Friday presents a chance for thunderstorms and showers, the trend indicates a rapid decline in precipitation chances thereafter, stabilizing around 102 degrees for the foreseeable future. As conditions shift to dryer air, residents can expect temperatures slightly lower than the seasonal average amidst a continuing lack of significant rainfall.
As the monsoon season unfolds in a less-than-typical manner, Las Vegas residents are reminded to stay informed about weather changes and potential storms, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the area’s climate.
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Additional Resources
- 8 News Now: Las Vegas Monsoons
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- KTNV: Southern Nevada Monsoon Season
- Google Search: Las Vegas monsoon weather
- Las Vegas Sun: Heavy Rains Monsoon Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Precipitation
- Fox 5 Vegas: Monsoon Storms in Southern Nevada
- Google News: Las Vegas weather news
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
