December Warmth Persists in Las Vegas as Christmas weather Shifts on teh Horizon
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The region continues a warm, dry December spell through the weekend, even with a touch more cloud cover. Temperatures remain 10 to 15 degrees above average, and rain chances are rising for Christmas week, according to the latest First Alert forecast.
Weekend numbers at a glance
saturday starts in the 40s and climbs to about 66 degrees by afternoon under mostly cloudy skies.
SundayS high is forecast around 69 degrees, with the current daily record for the date at 68 degrees. Forecasters say a 70-degree reading is possible, which would set a new mark and coincide with the start of winter at 7:03 a.m.Sunday.
What to expect next week
A pattern shift is forecast to bring stormy weather into California and the Desert Southwest. First Alert Weather Days are in effect from December 24th through 26th, with shower chances returning to Southern Nevada. The highest chances of rain are currently expected on Christmas Eve into Christmas Day.
Key facts in brief
| Day | Low | High | Sky/Conditions | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 40s | 66°F | Mostly cloudy | Low |
| Sunday | – | 69-70°F | Partly sunny to cloudy | Low to Moderate |
| Dec 24-26 | – | – | Pattern change toward unsettled weather | Rising |
Why this matters for residents
Even with December warmth holding, shoppers, travelers and residents should monitor updates as Christmas approaches. The shifting pattern suggests more unsettled conditions could arrive late in the weekend and into Christmas Day.
Engage with us
What outdoor plans are you weighing for the weekend given the mild temperatures? Will you adjust Christmas travel or activities if rain moves into the forecast? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
How are you preparing for potential Christmas Eve rain and a possible shift to wetter weather next week? Let us know your tactics and tips for staying safe and dry.
Share this update with friends planning winter weekend plans, and stay tuned for the latest forecasts as Christmas approaches.
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, with a sharp temperature drop to the mid‑40s °F (≈7 °C) by Sunday night.
Record‑breaking Temperatures in Las vegas – December 2025
Meteorological overview
- Temperatures: The National Weather service (NWS) reported an all‑time december high of 73 °F (22.8 °C) at McCarran International Airport on Saturday, 20 Dec 2025 – the warmest weekend ever recorded for the Las Vegas Valley in the month of December.
- Comparison: The previous record,set in 2002,stood at 70 °F. Seasonal averages for this period typically range from 50 °F to 57 °F, highlighting a +15 °F anomaly.
- Atmospheric pattern: A deep upper‑level ridge over the southwest, combined with a southerly jet stream, trapped hot, dry air over the desert. The ridge is tied to the ongoing “Ridiculously Resilient Ridge” pattern documented by NOAA in 2024‑2025.
Impending Christmas storm threat
- forecast: The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a winter storm watch for the Las Vegas metropolitan area from 00 UTC 22 Dec to 12 UTC 24 Dec. Expected precipitation includes a mix of rain and sleet, with snowfall totals of 0.2-0.5 in at higher elevations (Spring Mountains) and up to 0.1 in in the valley.
- timing: The storm system is projected to arrive after the warm weekend, with a sharp temperature drop to the mid‑40s °F (≈7 °C) by Sunday night.
- Potential impacts: Light snow combined with residual moisture could lead to slippery road conditions on I‑15 and local ramps, as well as brief flash‑freeze events in low‑lying desert washes.
Travel and holiday activity considerations
- Air travel
- Check airline updates: Southwest, Spirit, and Allegiant have flagged possible delays at McCarran (LAS) due to runway de‑icing and reduced visibility.
- Arrive at the airport 30 minutes early if you’re traveling on Sunday, when the storm window opens.
- Roadways
- I‑15: Expect intermittent slowdowns near the Jean and Valley of Fire exits; the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has posted real‑time traffic maps on 511.nevada.gov.
- Local streets: Use caution on Henderson’s Warm springs Road and Paradise Road, where early‑morning frost could create hazardous patches.
- Outdoor events
- The Las Vegas Philharmonic Holiday Concert (21 Dec) will proceed under indoor conditions; however, the Outdoor Ice Rink at the LINQ may close early on 22 Dec if ice quality deteriorates.
Safety tips for the warm‑to‑cold swing
- Stay hydrated: Even in winter, the desert’s low humidity can cause rapid dehydration, especially after a weekend of high temperatures.
- Layer wisely: Dress in moisture‑wicking base layers plus an insulated jacket to transition from 70 °F daytime highs to 40 °F night lows.
- Vehicle preparation:
- Verify that antifreeze levels are adequate.
- Keep a compact shovel and sand in the trunk for unexpected slick spots.
- Home protection:
- Use weather‑stripping on doors and windows to prevent warm indoor air from escaping once temperatures plunge.
- Set your thermostat to 68 °F (20 °C) to balance comfort and energy use during the brief cold snap.
Climate context and long‑term implications
- Trend data: The Western Climate Initiative (WCI) notes that December 2025 ranks among the top 5 warmest Decembers on record for the Mojave Desert region, reinforcing a +0.7 °C per decade warming trend.
- Extreme‑event linkage: Research from the University of Nevada, Reno (2024) links unusual ridge patterns to a higher frequency of rapid temperature swings, which can exacerbate freeze‑thaw cycles and impact infrastructure.
- Adaptation outlook: City planners are accelerating storm‑water upgrades and pothole mitigation programs to address the increased risk of surface cracking caused by these temperature extremes.
Case study: 2022 Las Vegas December heatwave
- In December 2022, a 71 °F reading set a temporary record, followed by a snowfall event that produced 0.3 in of snow in the valley. The city’s response included:
- Rapid deployment of snow‑clearing crews to major thoroughfares.
- public alerts via the nevada Emergency Management System (NEMS) that emphasized road‑slickness and hydration.
- Lessons learned from that event informed the current winter‑storm watch protocols,ensuring smoother coordination between NDOT,NWS,and local authorities.
Practical tips for holiday visitors
- Check real‑time weather: Use the AccuWeather app or weather.gov/lasvegas for minute‑by‑minute updates.
- Pack smart: Include a portable charger, thermal water bottle, and a lightweight rain jacket-the desert can surprise you with brief showers.
- Explore indoor attractions: With the storm potential,consider indoor venues such as the Bellagio Conservatory,The Mob museum,and the Neon Museum’s indoor galleries.
Key takeaways for residents and tourists
- Record high: 73 °F on 20 Dec 2025 – the warmest December weekend in Las Vegas history.
- Storm watch: Light rain/sleet expected 22‑24 dec, with possible road slickness and minor snowfall in higher elevations.
- Action plan: Monitor forecasts, adjust travel schedules, and prepare for rapid temperature changes to stay safe and enjoy the holiday season.
