As summer settles in Southern Nevada, residents face not only the sweltering heat but also the onset of the monsoon season. This year, the Las Vegas Valley experienced an early burst of activity, with strong thunderstorms developing during the first week of June, contributing to speculation about the summer’s weather patterns.
According to Chris Outler, Lead Forecaster with the National Weather Service (NWS), the early storms may not necessarily indicate a robust monsoon season ahead. While Las Vegas saw its wettest May on record due to a low-pressure system, the current climate may not support sustained monsoonal patterns. Outler notes that while June brought some much-needed moisture from tropical activity, it doesn’t guarantee a continuation of this trend. “We kind of got lucky in June,” he remarked, emphasizing that the correlation between early storms and ongoing monsoon activity is weak.
The NWS forecasts a potential shift toward increased monsoonal activity in early July, with chances for above-normal rainfall estimated between 40 to 50 percent. However, Outler cautioned that the long-range outlook remains uncertain, with an equal probability for wetter, drier, or near-normal conditions this season. The current weather pattern is described as neutral, lacking the clear indicators typically derived from El Niño or La Niña cycles.
Reflecting on last year, when Las Vegas experienced a “non-soon” season marked by minimal moisture, Outler said that forecasts at that time also presented uncertainty. The unpredictable nature of monsoons means residents should remain vigilant about possible flash floods, a risk highlighted by Andrew Trelease, General Manager of the Regional Flood Control District. He reported incidents of flooding in May and June, reinforcing that dangerous conditions can arise unexpectedly throughout the year.
In preparation for potential flooding, the Flood Control District has implemented extensive measures, including over 713 miles of storm drains and flood channels, as well as 111 detention basins. A new basin nearing completion in the eastern valley is expected to enhance flood protection further. Trelease assured that they are well-equipped to handle increased monsoonal moisture, stating, “What we have accomplished and what we have in place right now is really good protection for Clark County residents and visitors.”
As the monsoon season looms, the critical message remains: avoid detention basins and flood channels, and remember, if faced with flooded roads, it is safest to “turn around, don’t drown.” For those seeking information and safety tips regarding flooding, the Regional Flood Control District’s website serves as a valuable resource.