Las Vegas Braces for Record-Breaking Heat Wave

Temperatures expected to approach or exceed daily and monthly records this week

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:48pm

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The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts that Las Vegas could see several days of record-challenging temperatures from Thursday, March 12 through Monday, March 16. Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 88°F, just shy of the daily records set in 2007 and 2022. The NWS has issued safety tips for residents, advising them to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

Why it matters

Early-season heat waves can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Las Vegas is no stranger to extreme heat, but these temperatures arriving so early in the year are concerning and highlight the need for proactive measures to protect public safety as the effects of climate change continue to intensify.

The details

According to the NWS forecast office in Las Vegas, a strong high-pressure system developing over the Southwestern U.S. is responsible for the upcoming heat wave. Temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday, March 12 at 83°F, just short of the daily record of 86°F set in 2017 and 1989. Friday, March 13 is forecast to reach 86°F, approaching the record high of 90°F set in 2007. Saturday, March 14 is expected to hit 88°F, one degree below the daily record of 89°F set in 2007. Sunday, March 15 is forecast to reach 85°F, nearing the record of 88°F established in 2017. By Monday, March 16, temperatures are expected to climb to 88°F, close to the daily record high of 89°F set in 2007. The NWS also warned that these temperatures could threaten the monthly record of 93°F in Las Vegas, set on March 26, 2022.

  • On Thursday, March 12, temperatures in Las Vegas are forecast to reach 83°F.
  • On Friday, March 13, temperatures are expected to reach 86°F.
  • On Saturday, March 14, forecasters are calling for a high of 88°F.
  • On Sunday, March 15, temperatures are forecast to reach 85°F.
  • On Monday, March 16, temperatures are expected to climb to 88°F.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the United States.

NWS Las Vegas

The local NWS forecast office serving the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC)

The NWS division responsible for producing national-scale weather forecasts and analyses.

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What they’re saying

“A broad area of unusually strong high pressure developing over the Southwestern U.S. is what is responsible for this heat wave. This high pressure will weaken slightly over the weekend, resulting in a slight temperature decrease from Saturday to Sunday before coming back stronger next week.”

— NWS Las Vegas

“In addition to daily record high temperatures, temperatures next week will also threaten the monthly record temperature of 93°F in Las Vegas. The monthly record for March was set on March 26th, 2022.”

— NWS Las Vegas

“Numerous daily and some monthly temperature records are expected to be tied or broken across the Southwest Thursday and Friday amid early-season heat that it said will be "hazardous for anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.”

— NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC)

What’s next

The NWS has advised residents to take precautions against the extreme heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and never leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles. Local officials and emergency services will be monitoring the situation closely and may issue additional guidance or warnings as needed.

The takeaway

This early-season heat wave in Las Vegas is a stark reminder of the intensifying effects of climate change, which is leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events. Proactive measures to protect public health and safety, as well as long-term investments in climate resilience, will be crucial for communities like Las Vegas to adapt to these new climate realities.