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Rain and Thunderstorms to Hit Valley This Week

Precipitation chances reach 80 percent by Thursday afternoon as temperatures drop.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Forecasts

Heavy, dark storm clouds and rain curtains gather over a vast, arid desert valley landscape.
A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread rain and thunderstorms to the Las Vegas Valley beginning Wednesday night. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Las Vegas Valley is set for a round of rain and thunderstorms beginning Wednesday night and continuing through Thursday. Residents can expect a steady increase in precipitation chances as a storm moves in from the Pacific.

Why it matters

This system follows an already unusually wet October for the region, which has recorded 1.19 inches of rain at the airport so far this month. The incoming moisture, while welcome in a dry climate, will be a sharp shift in weather for commuters and outdoor plans.

The valley has seen 1.19 inches of rain at the airport this October, well above the 0.32-inch monthly average and closing in on the all-time October record of 1.45 inches. Forecasters expect less than 0.25 inches of rain from this week's storm system.

The details

Rainfall probabilities are set to climb from 30 percent Wednesday night to 80 percent by Thursday afternoon. As the Pacific storm system passes through, daytime high temperatures across the valley are projected to dip into the low 70s by week's end. Conditions are expected to dry out significantly for most of the area by Friday.

Timeline

  1. October 22, 2026: Storm effects are expected to begin in the valley.

  2. October 21, 2026: Rainfall chances start at 30 percent Wednesday night.

  3. October 22, 2026: Rainfall probability reaches 60 percent Thursday morning.

  4. October 22, 2026: Rainfall probability reaches 80 percent Thursday afternoon.

  5. October 23, 2026: Drier conditions are expected for the area by Friday.

Beyond the Strip

This month is already tracking toward the historic rainfall levels last seen in 2005, when the valley recorded 1.45 inches of rain. The current storm adds to an already active period that has seen 1.19 inches fall in October alone.

Expect cooler temperatures by the end of the week, with daytime highs falling into the low 70s. Plan for slower commutes on Thursday afternoon as rain chances peak at 80 percent across the valley.

The takeaway

Keep an eye on the 80 percent rain probability forecast for Thursday afternoon before heading out. While significant flooding is not currently expected in the valley, conditions will be wet enough to impact travel on surface streets.

Further reading

Stay updated on local weather developments in the Forecasts section.

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