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CLIMATE OF LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
ABSTRACT
During the last two decades, the Las Vegas
Valley has emerged as one of the fastest
growing metropolitan areas in the nation.
The population has expanded from about 400,000
in 1980 to an estimated 1.8 million in 2005.
In addition, Las Vegas attracts more visitors
annually than any other American city except
Orlando, Florida. As a result, local forecasters
continually field inquiries regarding the
area's climate from a broad base of public
interests. Official weather observations have
been recorded in Las Vegas since 1937, initially
at Nellis Field in the northeast portion
of the valley, then later at McCarran Field
on the south end. This paper is used as a reference
for National Weather Service personnel to aid in
responding to climate inquiries and is also intended
to be a resource for the local media and general public.
NARRATIVE SUMMARY
I. Topography and History
Las Vegas is located in a broad desert valley
in extreme southern Nevada. Mountains surrounding
the valley extend 2,000 to 10,000 feet above
the valley floor. The Las Vegas Valley comprises
about 600 square miles and runs from northwest
to southeast. The valley is bounded on the
north by the Sheep Range, while Boulder
City and the Lake Mead National Recreation
Area are generally considered its southern
extent. To the west are the Spring Mountains,
which include Mt. Charleston, the region's
highest peak at 11,918 feet. Several smaller
ranges line the eastern rim of the valley,
including the Muddy Mountains, the Black
Mountains and the Eldorado Range.
Official weather observations began in 1937
at what is now Nellis Air Force Base. In
late 1948, the U.S. Weather Bureau moved
to McCarran Field, now McCarran International
Airport. McCarran is located 7 miles south
of downtown Las Vegas. Thus, for most of the
Las Vegas metropolitan area, the valley floor
slopes downward from west to east. This affects
the local climatology significantly in terms of
driving variations in wind, precipitation, and
storm runoff.
II. General Climatic Summary
The four seasons are actually well defined
in Las Vegas., although they differ from
the traditional view of seasonal variation.
Summers display classic desert southwest
characteristics. Daily high temperatures
typically exceed 100 degrees with lows in
the 70s. The summer heat is tempered somewhat
by the extremely low relative humidities.
However, it is not uncommon for humidity
to increase markedly for several weeks each
summer in association with a moist "monsoonal
flow" from the south, typically during July
and August. Aside from increasing the discomfort
level, these moist winds also support the
development of spectacular desert thunderstorms
which are frequently associated with significant
flash flooding and/or strong downburst winds.
Winters on the whole, are mild and pleasant.
Afternoon temperatures average near 60 degrees
and skies are mostly clear. Pacific storms
occasionally produce rainfall in Las Vegas,
but in general, the Sierra Nevada Mountains
of eastern California and the Spring Mountains
immediately west of the Las Vegas Valley
act as effective barriers to moisture.
Snow accumulation is rare in Las Vegas.
Flurries are observed once or twice during
most winters, but snowfall of an inch or
more occurs only once every four to five
years. However, freezing temperatures do
occur with some regularity each year with a 30
year average of 24 days with low temperatures
at or below 32 degrees. Snowfall is rather common
in the mountains surrounding Las Vegas with the
Spring Mountains receiving between 5 and 10 feet
annually.
The spring and fall seasons are generally
considered ideal. Although rather sharp
temperature changes can occur during these
months, outdoor activities are seldom hampered.
Strong winds are arguably the most persistent
and provoking weather hazard experienced
in the area. Winds over 50 mph are infrequent
but can occur with some of the more vigorous
storms. Winter and spring wind events often
generate widespread areas of blowing dust
and sand. Strong wind episodes in the summertime
are usually connected with thunderstorms,
and are thus more isolated and localized.
Prevailing wind direction is typically either
southwest or north, unless associated with
a thunderstorm outflow. |
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Las Vegas Weather Forecast Office
7851 S Dean Martin Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89139-6628
Tel: (702) 263-9744
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