Monsoon Fury: Las Vegas Valley Takes Direct Hit
Las Vegas Weather Update: Monsoon Storms Bring Rain and a Cool Down
Hey there! Think of this like a weather report from a friend who explains things simply. We’re talking about Las Vegas weather—some surprising rain, a long dry spell ending, and a welcome break from the heat.
What Happened on Wednesday?
The big summer heat wave has finally stepped aside, but monsoon moisture (that’s just a fancy word for humid air coming up from the south that brings thunderstorms) has moved in.
On Wednesday afternoon, thunderstorms popped up and soaked parts of the Las Vegas Valley. The rain wasn’t everywhere—it was hit or miss, like someone spraying a garden hose randomly.
Where it rained the most:
- Nellis Air Force Base (east side)
- Centennial Hills (northwest side)
Where it barely rained:
- Harry Reid International Airport — they only got a "trace" (a sprinkle, not enough to measure).
Rainfall Totals Across the Valley
The Regional Flood Control District has rain gauges all over town. Here’s who got what on Wednesday:
| Location | Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Nellis AFB | 0.78 inches (Winner!) |
| East Las Vegas | 0.51 inches |
| Centennial Hills | 0.31 inches |
| Henderson (near Burkholder Middle School) | 0.24 inches |
| UNLV | 0.12 inches |
| North Las Vegas | 0.08 inches |
ELI5: What is a "Trace" of Rain?
Imagine you spill a few drops of water on the sidewalk. The ground gets wet, but you can’t fill a measuring cup with it. That’s a "trace"—rain happened, but it was less than 0.01 inches.
Harry Reid Airport: The Dry Spot
Even though storms were nearby, the airport missed out on the heavy rain.
- Temperature: Hit 101°F.
- Rain: Only a trace (not measurable).
- Flights: Delayed up to 45 minutes in the afternoon (storms near airports slow things down for safety).
- The Big Stat: Before Wednesday, the airport hadn’t seen measurable rain (0.01 inches or more) since June 23—that’s 124 days without real rain!
- On June 23, they got 0.02 inches. That was the only rain in June.
- In July, they only got a trace on July 19.
- Average August rain is 0.32 inches. In August 2025? Just a trace.
A Cool Down Is Coming!
Finally, some relief! A low-pressure system (a swirl of cooler air coming from the Pacific Ocean) is pushing into the area.
The Forecast:
- Thursday: High 97°F.
- First time below 100°F since July 17!
- Rain chance: 15%.
- Friday: Temperatures stay below the normal high of 104°F.
- Rain chance jumps to 50%.
- Weekend: Staying cooler than normal.
ELI5: What is a Low-Pressure System?
Think of the atmosphere like a blanket. High pressure pushes the blanket down (clear, hot, sinking air). Low pressure lets the blanket rise up (clouds, storms, cooler air). This system is letting our "blanket" rise, bringing clouds and cooler temps.
Summer 2025 Heat Records (The "Wow" Facts)
Even with the cool down, this summer was a scorcher. Here are the records from the National Weather Service:
- Hottest Day of the Year: August 1 — 115°F at the airport.
- Just 1 degree short of the all-time record (set way back in 1938 and tied in 1979).
- July Ranking: 3rd Warmest July on record.
- Average temperature: 96.6°F (that’s the average of the highs and lows all month).
- Unbelievable Nights: July 29 morning low was only 89°F.
- This ended a 6-day streak where the temperature never dropped below 90°F at night.
- Longest such streak ever recorded in Las Vegas.
- First 110°F Day: July 8.
- July 110°F+ Days: 12 days hit 110°F or higher.
- Normal for a whole year: 10 days.
- Record year (2024): 36 days!
Important Points to Remember
- Rain was spotty: Your neighborhood might be soaked while the airport stays dry.
- The Dry Streak is Real: 124 days without measurable rain at the official gauge is a long time!
- Relief is Here: Highs dropping below 100°F is a big deal for late August.
- Flash Flood Danger: Even if it’s not raining where you are, storms in the mountains can send water rushing through washes. Stay out of flood channels!
- 2024 was Hotter: Last year set the record for 110°F+ days (36). This year (12 in July) is closer to "normal" (10 per year), but July was still historically hot overall.
Summary
Las Vegas got a taste of the monsoon on Wednesday. While the official airport gauge stayed stubbornly dry (continuing a 124-day measurable rain drought), areas like Nellis AFB got nearly an inch of rain. The big story now is the cool down: a Pacific low-pressure system will keep highs below 100°F starting Thursday—the first time since mid-July—with a decent chance of more rain Friday. This follows a summer where July was the 3rd hottest on record and the city endured a record 6-night streak of 90°F+ lows.
FAQ: Your Weather Questions Answered
1. Why did the airport get no rain but Nellis got a lot?
Thunderstorms in the desert are small and scattered. Think of them like popcorn kernels popping—one pops here, one pops there. The airport just happened to be in between the "pops" on Wednesday.
2. What does "Measurable Precipitation" mean exactly?
It means 0.01 inches or more of liquid in the rain gauge. A "Trace" is rain that wets the gauge but isn’t deep enough to measure (less than 0.01").
3. Is a 124-day dry streak normal for Vegas?
Yes, actually. Las Vegas is a desert. Long dry streaks in spring and summer are very common. The "Monsoon Season" (roughly July–Sept) is usually our only chance for summer rain.
4. Why are nights staying so hot (like that 89°F low)?
Two main reasons: Urban Heat Island (all the concrete and asphalt holds heat all night) and Humidity (monsoon moisture acts like a blanket, trapping heat near the ground).
5. Should I cancel outdoor plans for Friday?
Maybe have a backup plan. A 50% chance of rain means it’s a coin flip. It’s not an all-day washout guarantee, but storms are likely. Keep an eye on the radar and have an indoor option ready!