How Sunday wind gusts could affect the final night of Electric Daisy Carnival

High winds could complicate the final night of the Electric Daisy Carnival this weekend, as forecasters warn of gusts strong enough to affect conditions at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The National Weather Service issued the watch Friday for the Las Vegas Valley, in effect from Sunday morning through late Sunday night. Forecasters expect southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph at the speedway, where the three-day electronic dance music festival begins tonight.

The conditions pose potential risks for the festival’s large temporary stages and overhead lighting rigs. Insomniac, the Los Angeles-based promoter of the event, said it coordinates with local public safety agencies to monitor real-time wind conditions and adjust operations as needed.

High winds in 2025 forced officials to temporarily shut down the Circuit Grounds, Quantum Valley and Bionic Jungle stages on the second night of last year's EDC. While crews stabilized rigging and lowered LED screens, thousands of attendees migrated to unaffected areas of the venue until winds subsided and performances resumed. In 2012, Insomniac directed an estimated 90,000 fans into the permanent speedway bleachers after a windstorm forced an early end to the festival’s second night.

The wind threat comes as temperatures are expected to change sharply over the weekend, with highs near 100 degrees on Friday and Saturday before a cold front drops Sunday highs into the lower 90s and overnight lows into the mid-50s. The drop in temperatures Sunday night will make for a cooler-than-usual end to the festival, where the last sets are scheduled to begin at 4:30 a.m. Monday.

The weather service said blowing dust could reduce visibility and strong crosswinds may make travel on Interstate 15 more difficult.

The Nevada Department of Transportation warned in a traffic advisory Wednesday that crosswinds could affect high-profile vehicles near the venue, including recreational vehicles and shuttle buses.

Traffic on I-15 around the speedway Monday is traditionally bumper to bumper as festivalgoers leaving the venue converge with the usual Monday morning commute.