517
FXUS65 KVEF 191913
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1213 PM PDT Sun May 19 2024

.SYNOPSIS...Gusty southwesterly winds continue through Monday, with
the strongest winds in southeastern California. Isolated showers and
thunderstorms may develop each afternoon through Monday in Lincoln
County. Temperatures will decrease as an upper level trough moves
into the area leading to near normal temperatures by Monday.

&&

.SHORT TERM...through Tuesday.

A broad upper level trough will be in place over the western United
States over the next few days. The main impact from this pattern
will be increased southwesterly winds today and tomorrow due to the
development of a low level jet and tightening surface pressure
gradients. Peak gusts should be in the 20 to 30 mph range for most
locations. However, gusts in excess of 40 mph may develop for a
short time along high terrain this afternoon and tomorrow
afternoon, especially in southeastern California. Short periods
of downslope winds with gusts over 40 mph are also in the realm of
possibility east of the Spring Mountains and Sierra. Because of
the limited spatial and temporal extent of advisory-level winds
and their overall borderline nature, will not be issuing any wind
related headlines with this forecast package. That being said,
remain cautious if driving a lightweight or high profile vehicle
on area highways, including Interstate 15 and Interstate 40. Winds
should be weaker on Tuesday as the pressure gradient decreases.

Lingering moisture and instability associated with the trough also
brings continued chances for isolated showers and thunderstorms this
afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, mainly over Lincoln County or high
terrain in Clark County. Rainfall totals from any storms that form
should be light. Atmospheric moisture decreases tomorrow night and
precipitation is not expected on Tuesday. Temperatures continue
their downward trend with highs near to below normal on tomorrow and
Tuesday.

.LONG TERM...Wednesday through Saturday

Another system digging south down the British Columbia coast will
reestablish the longwave trough across the west heading into the
Memorial Day Weekend. Both the GEFS and EPS maintain H5 heights
below normal through at least Saturday. Temperatures will be at or
below normal during the period. Should be windy at times with
gusts 30 to 40 mph at times across the western Mojave Desert of
San Bernardino County and the southern Sierra. Elsewhere, it will
be breezy with gusts in the 20 to 30 mph range. For the time
being, any precipitation chances stay across central Nevada but
may sag as far south as the panhandle of Lincoln County Saturday.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...After a brief period of light
southeast winds in the late morning and early afternoon, south to
southwest winds with gusts 20 to 25 knots are expected this
afternoon. Gusts should continue well into the night, gradually
subsiding toward early Monday morning. Gusty southwest winds should
kick back up again around midday Monday. Turbulence can be expected
as the strong winds pass over the mountainous terrain. No
operationally significant clouds or weather expected.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...Winds will be generally west to southwest over most of
the region this afternoon, with the strongest gusts of 30 to 35
knots in the Barstow area. There could also be brief downslope winds
and rotors on the east side of mountain ranges such as the Sierra
Nevada and the Spring Mountains on the west side of Las Vegas. Gusts
will end around sunset except in the Barstow area. On Monday, gusty
west to southwest winds will pick up again over most of the Mojave
Desert, while the southern Great Basin sees northwest to north
winds. The strongest afternoon gusts of 30 to 35 knots should occur
in a swath from Barstow through Searchlight to Colorado City. There
will be a very small chance for showers and thunderstorms this
afternoon in areas from the Sierra crest eastward to the panhandle
of Lincoln County, but much less coverage is expected today than
what occurred Saturday afternoon.

&&

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotters are encouraged to report
any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating
procedures.

&&

$$

SHORT TERM...Meltzer
LONG TERM...Pierce
AVIATION...Morgan

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