Summer in Las Vegas
Summer in Las Vegas can be divided into two types of weather: Hot and moist ... or very hot and dry. The norm is very hot and dry. During the middle of the summer, several days in a row with temperatures in excess of 110 are common. Humidity is generally less than 20%. Often much less. I have seen official weather reports of 1% relative humidity (that's not a typo). On the other hand, most of the summer in Las Vegas is also monsoon season. That runs from roughly early July through early September. During that time, winds from the southeast can bring warm moist air to the valley, resulting in clouds, generally lower temperatures, much higher humidity, and some amazing thunderstorms.
Monsoon Clouds move into Las Vegas
During the summer in Las Vegas you will hear the phrase, "Drink plenty of fluids" over and over. You'll hear it on television, radio, and see it in the newspapers. Pay attention, especially if you're not yet used to the desert. The reason for keeping up your fluid levels, even though you feel fine is simple. In the heat of the desert, you lose body fluids very quickly, but with the low humidity you won't realize it (the sweat evaporates before you start feeling all sticky). It can actually be scary. One minute you're doing fine, then all of a sudden you feel very dizzy. When that happens get inside, and start replenishing those fluids.
During summer in Las Vegas, remember your pets as well. Make sure they have shade and lots of water. If possible, have a pet door so they can get inside when they need to. Given the opportunity, they're usually pretty smart about getting out of the heat.
I'm writing this on a monsoon kind of day. Let me quote a few excerpts from the weather service: "A moist and unstable air mass will remain over the area today" "Scattered, mainly afternoon thunderstorms with local gusty wins." "Possible brief heavy rain may produce isolated flash flooding..." Note the last line above. When the monsoon winds blow, and thunderstorms build, the chance of flash flooding increase dramatically. The storms don't have to be anywhere near you to create a danger. Local flood control is an integral part of the area. Soccer fields double as catch basins, and roads double as drainage channels. The water can come from miles away. Do not drive on flooded roads. A trickle can become a torrent very quickly. Every summer, the local news carries footage of cars being carried down flooded roads while driver frantically tries to control it. With the wheels well off the ground, the attempt is futile. If enough water is flowing down a road to fill more than the very sides, pick another road.
Offsetting that, the resulting storms are some of the most beautiful I've seen. Huge powerful clouds and amazing lightning displays are great to watch (from a safe distance). I have seen our house totally ringed by lightening, while we remained completely dry (although quite windblown). If you can get to an elevated area (the second floor of a house works well), you can often watch the storm build, travel across the valley, and dissipate while enjoying your favorite beverage.
After you've been here a while, you will begin to adapt to the heat. Our first summer in Las Vegas, we kept the our house at 72 or so. We couldn't figure out why our neighbors often seem cold when they came by. Right now (almost five years later), the air conditioning is set to 78, and I'm quite comfortable. Our neighbors no longer bring a sweater when they come to visit, and even with rate increases, our power bill is noticeably lower. I have also found that during short trips in the car, I rarely bother with the A/C. Up to about 105 or so, if I'm only going a few blocks, I just open the windows. Of course, if the car has been sitting in the sun, you need to do that anyway.
The best part of summer in Las Vegas are the nights. The temperature drops down into a very comfortable range, the skies are almost always clear, and it's great to be outdoors. Based on experience, those who have access to a patio, balcony or just a yard, take full advantage of this. There is not much better than sitting with friends after a good meal, and enjoying a Las Vegas summer night. I am always surprised that, despite the lights of the city, you can see a fantastic number of stars. It must be that good desert air. Enjoy your summer.
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