A summer of record temperatures officially ends with mild weather and a rare occurrence: rain, as autumn begins early on Sunday.

Friday’s high should be around 86 degrees with a chance of scattered showers or storms in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service office in Las Vegas. The chance of rain is estimated at 30 percent.

Precipitation is possible on Friday evening until Saturday morning. Saturday will be a maximum of 33 degrees.

The autumnal equinox will occur at 5:43 a.m. on Sunday and the maximum temperature will be around 34 degrees Celsius, which is normal for this time of year.

According to the weather forecast, temperatures will rise to around 35 degrees Celsius next week, so summer is not quite over yet.

Outside the valley

Red Rock Canyon: Isolated showers are possible on Friday and the high should be around 79 degrees. There is a 50 percent chance of rain. The high on Saturday should be around 85 degrees with light winds. Sunday is forecast to be sunny with a high around 87 degrees.

Spring Mountains: This weekend, autumnal conditions will prevail in the mountains with highs in the mid 60s. Occasional rain or showers are a 50 percent chance during the day with a slightly lower chance from Friday through Saturday. Sunday should be sunny with a high around 66.

More Mead: Isolated showers are possible on Friday, but the chance is only 20 percent. The high should be around 94. Saturday will be sunny with a high around 97, while Sunday should be sunny with a high around 101. The wind will be calm, making for good sailing conditions.

Winter forecasts released

The weather service’s Climate Prediction Center released its winter precipitation and temperature forecast for the country on Friday.

As weather conditions shift into a La Niña pattern, the CPC is forecasting a 40 to 60 percent chance of above-normal temperatures in the Las Vegas area and a 33 to 40 percent chance of below-normal precipitation.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Niña is expected to dominate weather conditions from December through February. This pattern can vary, but often translates into wetter conditions in the northern part of the country and drier than average weather in the southern part.

Contact Marvin Clemons at [email protected].