Monsoon moisture returns to Las Vegas valley with thunderstorm chances
First Alert Weather Days continue through Friday as humidity builds
Las Vegas residents should prepare for a shift in weather patterns this week as monsoon moisture returns to the valley, bringing increased humidity and daily thunderstorm chances through the weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued First Alert Weather Days continuing through Friday, with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms expected throughout the period. A batch of thunderstorms moving westward from Mohave County, Arizona, was bringing the potential for isolated storms and gusty winds to the Las Vegas Valley Tuesday evening.
Temperature relief with added humidity
The return of moisture is providing some relief from extreme heat, with high temperatures expected to remain in the mid to low 90s throughout the week—a welcome break from the typical triple-digit September temperatures. Morning lows will hover in the lower 80s Tuesday before settling into the upper 70s for the remainder of the week.
However, the cooler temperatures come with a trade-off: increased humidity levels that will make outdoor activities feel more uncomfortable than the actual temperature suggests.
Afternoon and evening storms likely
Scattered thunderstorm chances will persist through Saturday, with the highest probability during afternoon and evening hours when daytime heating combines with available moisture. These storms could produce:
- Heavy rainfall in localized areas
- Frequent lightning
- Gusty winds
- Brief periods of reduced visibility
Residents should remain weather-aware during outdoor activities and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms develop nearby.
Drought conditions persist despite moisture
Despite the return of monsoon moisture, Southern Nevada continues to experience significant drought conditions. As of September 1, Harry Reid International Airport has recorded just 0.02 inches of rain for the 2025 monsoon season, making it the fourth-driest on record.
Year-to-date rainfall totals stand at 2.05 inches, which is 0.74 inches below normal for this point in the year. The valley remains under severe to extreme drought conditions, with Lake Mead currently at 1,055 feet—down from 1,063 feet one year ago.
Regional storm activity
The broader region is experiencing widespread shower and thunderstorm activity, with the National Weather Service warning of moderate to heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds. The greatest flash flooding risks exist across San Bernardino County, California, and Death Valley, though isolated flooding remains possible in the Las Vegas area with any slow-moving storms.
Weather conditions are expected to gradually dry out early next week as the monsoon moisture retreats eastward, returning the valley to more typical early September conditions.
Image Sources: https://capturetheatlas.com/things-to-do-in-las-vegas-strip/
Category: Weather
Subcategory: Local Weather
Date: 09/3/2025
