Will a tropical storm affect Las Vegas this week?
Summary
Tropical Storm Mario, forming off Mexico’s Pacific coast, could push moisture into the Desert Southwest late this week and bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms to Las Vegas. The National Weather Service notes that rainfall totals are highly uncertain as the system’s track and strength continue to fluctuate.
Las Vegas has experienced a very dry monsoon season so far — the fourth‑driest on record — with Harry Reid International Airport recording just 2.05 inches of rain this year (a normal year is about 4.18 inches).
Key Points
- Moisture from Tropical Storm Mario may reach the Desert Southwest late in the week, increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms.
- Rainfall totals remain highly uncertain; the National Weather Service currently indicates roughly a 30% chance of rain on Thursday and Friday.
- Temperatures this week: highs in the mid‑90s on Tuesday and Thursday; high‑90s on Wednesday; around low 90s on Friday; overnight lows in the mid‑70s.
- This is the fourth‑driest monsoon season on record for Las Vegas, so even modest rainfall would be notable for the valley.
- Past tropical remnant events (for example, Hurricane Hilary in 2023) produced significant flooding in parts of the region — outcomes depend on Mario’s final track and timing.
Why should I read this?
Quick and simple: if you’re in Las Vegas later this week, it’s worth checking the forecast. Mario might spit a few showers our way — not a sure thing, but enough to mess with outdoor plans. We’ve skimmed the techy weather talk so you don’t have to.
Context and relevance
This story matters locally. It ties into ongoing trends — an unusually dry monsoon season and occasional Pacific tropical systems that can funnel moisture inland. For residents and visitors, even a low probability of rain can affect travel, outdoor events and flash‑flood risk in burn‑scarred terrain. Keep an eye on National Weather Service updates as details can change quickly.
Forecast snapshot
Tuesday: High 97°F, overnight 76°F.
Wednesday: Highs in the high‑90s, low 76°F.
Thursday: Mid‑90s, about 30% chance of rain.
Friday: High near 91°F, about 30% chance of rain.