Las Vegas, Lake Havasu City and Death Valley Soar Into the 80s and 90s as Southern Nevada and Eastern California See 12+ Degrees Above Normal to End February
NEVADA — A dramatic warm-up is underway across Southern Nevada, eastern California and northwest Arizona, with temperatures climbing steadily through the workweek and peaking over the weekend at more than 12 degrees above seasonal averages.
Forecast data shows a clear upward trend from Monday through Sunday, with multiple desert communities reaching well into the 80s and even low 90s by early March.
Las Vegas Climbs From 70 to the Low 80s by the Weekend
In Las Vegas, maximum temperatures rise from 70°F on Monday to 81°F by Saturday, before easing slightly to 80°F on Sunday.
The steady warming trend includes:
74°F Tuesday
77°F Wednesday
77°F Thursday
79°F Friday
By the weekend, conditions will feel more like mid-spring than late February, marking a significant departure from normal early March temperatures.
Lake Havasu City, Needles and Death Valley Approach 90 Degrees
The warmest readings appear across lower desert communities, including:
Lake Havasu City: climbing to 91°F Saturday and Sunday
Needles: reaching 93°F Saturday and 92°F Sunday
Death Valley–Furnace Creek: peaking at 88°F Saturday and 87°F Sunday
These numbers represent strong late-winter heat, especially for the final week of February.
In Laughlin–Bullhead City, highs rise to 88°F by Saturday and Sunday, while Mesquite pushes into the mid-80s.
Henderson, North Las Vegas and Pahrump Follow the Trend
Across the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas:
Henderson reaches 81°F Saturday and Sunday
North Las Vegas climbs to around 80°F Saturday
Pahrump approaches 80°F by the weekend
Even higher-elevation communities such as Bishop and Pioche see notable warming, though they remain cooler than desert valley locations.
Eastern California Also Sees Strong Late-Winter Warmth
In Barstow and Twentynine Palms, highs climb into the mid to upper 80s by midweek and hold through the weekend.
Twentynine Palms peaks at 88°F Saturday, while Barstow reaches 82°F Saturday.
The pattern signals widespread warmth across desert regions of California and Nevada.
Over 12 Degrees Above Normal for Early March
The forecast explicitly notes temperatures running more than 12 degrees above normal for the start of March.
This level of warmth in late February can accelerate early-season desert heating, increasing outdoor activity risks such as dehydration, especially for hikers and tourists visiting areas like Las Vegas, Death Valley and Lake Havasu City.
While not record-breaking, the sustained above-normal pattern stands out for its duration and geographic coverage.
What This Means for North Carolina Readers
Although this heat event is confined to the Southwest, it highlights how strong high-pressure patterns can create significant regional temperature swings.
For residents traveling to Las Vegas, Lake Havasu City or Death Valley in the coming days, prepare for summer-like afternoons despite the calendar still reading February.
If you’re visiting Southern Nevada or eastern California this week, share your experience with the early-season warmth at CabarrusWeekly.com.
