Las Vegas has broken its record for the wettest May in history, with 1.45 inches of rain in just the first six days, causing flooding and rare snow and hail
Las Vegas has become known for setting extreme weather records, and this year is no exception.
After last year’s scorching 120-degree heat, the city has now broken its record for the wettest May in history.
The remarkable part? The new record was set in just the first six days of the month in the city with an average of 5 inches of rain on a yearly basis, compared to the national average of 38 inches.
Flooding and Disruptions in the City
A fierce thunderstorm brought Las Vegas a total of 1.45 inches of rainfall by May 6, far surpassing the previous record of 0.96 inches, which had stood since 1969.
The unexpected rainfall triggered a series of disruptions and even flooding issues in several parts of the city.
In particular, local news outlets like Las Vegas Locally reported that parking garages in some areas were flooded, while KTNV’s drone footage showed floodwaters pooling on streets such as Amigo Street and Robindale Road.
The storm didn’t just bring rain, but also rare snow and hail to certain parts of Sin City, adding an even more unusual twist to the already out-of-the-ordinary weather.
This abrupt weather shift marks a stark contrast to the dry, sun-soaked days that are typically the hallmark of worldwide gamblers’ favorite destination.
Turbulent Economic Landscape
Meanwhile, the broader economic landscape for Las Vegas has also been turbulent, with MGM Resorts International making headlines last month after announcing the end of in-person concierge services at two of its properties.
The move resulted in a series of layoffs. The casino giant is not the only one facing challenges. Share prices for MGM, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts have all seen sharp declines so far this year, reflecting the financial strain on the hospitality sector.
Plus, recent tourism figures from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reveal a decline in key areas. The most significant figure is a 7.8% YoY drop in overall visitors to the city.
Airport traffic has fallen by 3.9%, and gaming revenue has decreased by 1.75% in Clark County. Notably, these gaming losses are concentrated on the Las Vegas Strip, while other areas of the valley, including downtown, North Las Vegas, and the Boulder Strip, are experiencing revenue growth.
Better Weather Ahead
After a stormy start to the week, the weather across the region is beginning to turn a corner. Rain will be pushing eastward on Wednesday, clearing the way for brighter, warmer days ahead.
Highs are expected to climb back into the upper 70s midweek, then soar into the upper 80s by Thursday as sunshine returns in full force.
However, it’s the weekend that will really crank up the heat, with temperatures expected to break into the 90s, prompting First Alert Weather Days on Sunday and Monday.
Strong winds are also in the forecast, signaling a shift toward more active weather again early next week.
