Las Vegas under extreme heat warning as Perseids meteor shower peaks tonight

Temperatures soar past 110 degrees while celestial display lights up desert skies

Las Vegas residents are bracing for another scorching day as an extreme heat warning remains in effect through Wednesday evening, with temperatures expected to reach dangerous levels between 110 and 114 degrees across the valley. Meanwhile, stargazers will have a chance to witness one of the year’s most spectacular celestial events as the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak tonight.

Heat warning extended through Wednesday

The National Weather Service has extended the extreme heat warning for the Las Vegas Valley until 8 p.m. Wednesday, as the region experiences what could be the hottest stretch of 2025. Tuesday tied for the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 112 degrees at Harry Reid International Airport at 4:32 p.m.

Morning temperatures started in the 80s but quickly climbed to the mid-90s by 9 a.m. The culprit behind the intense heat is a stubborn high-pressure system that has settled over the area, pushing afternoon temperatures 4 to 8 degrees above seasonal norms.

Cooling stations activated across valley

In response to the dangerous conditions, Clark County has activated cooling stations throughout the valley, which will remain open through Thursday. The extreme heat has already taken a tragic toll – the Clark County coroner’s office reports at least 87 heat-related deaths so far this year.

Residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors during peak heat hours
• Drink plenty of hydrating fluids
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles
• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives

Relief on the horizon

The weather pattern is expected to shift by Thursday when a system moves into the Pacific Northwest, bringing some relief to the desert. This change will increase breezy winds and help funnel monsoon moisture from Mexico into southern Nevada.

Here’s the extended forecast:

• Wednesday: 110° – Sunny and very hot
• Thursday: 106° – Slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms
• Friday: 102° – Increased chance of thunderstorms
• Saturday: 100° – Slight chance of storms
• Sunday: 101° – Sunny
• Monday: 102° – Sunny
• Tuesday: 103° – Sunny

Perseids meteor shower peaks despite moonlight

While dealing with the extreme heat, astronomy enthusiasts have something to look forward to tonight as the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak. Known as one of the best meteor showers of the year, the Perseids will be most active late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.

The shower, caused by Earth passing through debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, typically produces 50 to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, this year’s display will be somewhat diminished by bright moonlight from the recent full moon, reducing visibility to perhaps 10 to 20 meteors per hour.

Best viewing tips for Las Vegas

For the best chance of seeing the Perseids from the Las Vegas area:

• When: Peak viewing hours are after midnight until about 5 a.m.
• Where: Head away from city lights – popular spots include Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire State Park
• How: Look north toward the constellation Perseus
• What to bring: Comfortable chair, warm clothing (desert nights can be cool), and patience

The meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, hence the shower’s name. These “shooting stars” are known for leaving particularly bright, colorful trails as they burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.

Monsoon moisture returns

As the week progresses, the extreme heat will give way to increased monsoon activity. By Thursday and Friday, afternoon thunderstorms become more likely, bringing the possibility of:

• Lightning strikes
• Gusty winds
• Isolated heavy rain showers
• Flash flooding in low-lying areas

This monsoon moisture will help drop temperatures into the more bearable low 100s by the weekend, providing some relief from the current heat wave.

Safety reminders

With both extreme heat and potential storms in the forecast, authorities remind residents to stay weather-aware this week. The combination of high temperatures and possible thunderstorms creates multiple hazards that require different safety approaches.

For those planning to view the meteor shower, remember that even nighttime temperatures will remain warm, likely in the 80s and 90s. Bring plenty of water and inform someone of your viewing location, especially if heading to remote desert areas.

The Perseid meteor shower will remain visible through September 1, though tonight offers the best viewing opportunity for 2025. After the monsoon moisture retreats by Sunday, clearer skies will return, though meteor activity will have significantly decreased by then.

Image Sources: https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/las-vegas-under-extreme-heat-warning-perseids-peaks-tonight/

Category: Weather
Subcategory: Climate & Environment
Date: 08/13/2025