Hazy skies invade Las Vegas and heat persists into next week

Las Vegas (KSNV) — Warm weather and hazy skies are forecast for Thursday and Friday.

Smoke from regional wildfires is drifting into southern Nevada this morning. People sensitive to air quality should limit their time outdoors.

You can see current air quality conditions by clicking here.

THURSDAY: We will see hazy sunshine in Las Vegas throughout the day with highs reaching around 107 degrees this afternoon, which is 8 degrees above normal. Breezes will increase slightly from the northeast to 10-15 mph with wind gusts up to around 25 mph.

The excessive heat warning also remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday. Highs will range from 104 to 111 degrees at elevations of 3,500 feet or less. Temperatures of 111 to 115 degrees will be possible along the Colorado River Valley (from Lake Mead to Laughlin) and as high as 116 to 120 degrees in Death Valley. Drink plenty of water, make sure your air conditioning is working properly, bring pets indoors, and never leave children or animals in a hot car.

Air quality is rated as “moderate” this morning and could deteriorate further as upper-level winds carry more smoke from the north into southern Nevada. The heaviest smoke concentrations are from wildfires burning in Oregon and Idaho. Pollen levels are low.

THURSDAY EVENING: We will see some scattered clouds tonight with areas of haze. Lows in the valley will drop to around 82 degrees overnight. Winds will pick up briefly late tonight between 8pm and midnight. After midnight, winds will slowly drop back to 5-10 mph from the north and east.

YOUR 7 DAYS: Similar warm and hazy weather is expected Friday, with some relief by the weekend. Monsoon moisture will spread northward, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the region Saturday and Sunday. The best chances for active weather will be in the mountains with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the valley in Las Vegas and Henderson (about a 10-20% chance in the valley). Highs will drop to 100 degrees Sunday with highs above 90 degrees in the western valley.

For the next week, temperatures will remain above normal with highs in the valley ranging from 102 to 104 degrees.

Winds will begin to increase again Wednesday with maximum temperatures in the valley looking to drop into the double digits by next weekend.

There’s still over a week to go and a lot can change, but keep it here for more updates!