Las Vegas, Nevada – Nevada is expected to remain locked in a hot and increasingly active monsoon pattern between July 23 and July 27, with above-normal temperatures combining with a surge of subtropical moisture to bring daily opportunities for showers and thunderstorms. While intense summer heat will dominate much of each day, afternoon and evening storms could produce heavy rainfall, dangerous lightning, strong wind gusts and localized flash flooding, especially across southern and central Nevada.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, in its 6-10 Day Outlook issued July 17, Nevada is favored to experience above-normal temperatures during the July 23-27 period. The state is also included in an area favoring above-normal precipitation, indicating a greater likelihood of monsoon-driven showers and thunderstorms than is typical for late July.
In Las Vegas, afternoon temperatures are expected to climb above seasonal averages, with desert highs pushing well into the triple digits before thunderstorms begin developing over the surrounding mountains. Storms moving into the Las Vegas Valley may produce torrential downpours capable of quickly flooding washes, low-water crossings and flood-prone roadways. Strong outflow winds, blowing dust and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning could also create hazardous travel conditions along Interstates 15 and 515, as well as U.S. Highway 95.
Neighboring Henderson is expected to experience a similar pattern, with hot afternoons giving way to increasing thunderstorm activity later in the day. While not every neighborhood will receive rainfall, storms that develop could generate localized flash flooding, brief power outages from gusty winds and rapidly changing conditions for outdoor recreation. Residents should avoid driving through flooded roadways, as water levels can rise quickly during monsoon storms.
The warmer and wetter pattern is expected to extend across Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Elko, Ely, Mesquite and Pahrump. Northern Nevada may see more scattered thunderstorm coverage, while southern Nevada is expected to experience the greatest potential for locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding as monsoonal moisture deepens across the region.
Although the Climate Prediction Center outlook does not pinpoint the exact timing or location of individual thunderstorms, confidence continues to increase that Nevada will remain in a warmer-than-normal and wetter-than-normal pattern through July 27. Residents and visitors should stay hydrated during the afternoon heat, remain alert for rapidly developing thunderstorms, and monitor National Weather Service forecasts for updated flash flood watches, severe thunderstorm warnings and other monsoon-related weather alerts.
