767
FXUS65 KVEF 081750
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1050 AM PDT Wed May 8 2024

.SYNOPSIS...Gusty northerly winds are expected across the forecast
area today along with the return of cooler than normal
temperatures. Breezy northerly winds will continue on Thursday as
temperatures begin rebounding, returning to normal by Friday. This
warming trend will continue into the weekend with above normal
temperatures expected into early next week.
&&


.UPDATE...Gusty north winds will continue across the forecast area
this afternoon with speeds generally between 25 and 35 mph. Stronger
winds will continue along the Colorado River Valley thanks to
topographic enhancement. Peak gust at the Laughlin / Bullhead City
Airport this morning was 55 mph. These gusts will continue to
decrease throughout the rest of the morning and afternoon with Wind
Advisories in effect for eastern San Bernardino County and the
Colorado River Valley through 5pm (unless winds drop off
dramatically this afternoon and we cancel the product early). Much
cooler temperatures in store today, with an 8-10 degree temperature
drop compared to yesterday. No changes made to the forecast this
morning, as it looks to be in good shape.
&&


.PREVIOUS DISCUSSION...128 AM PDT Wed May 8 2024/

.SHORT TERM...through Friday.

A shortwave trough will continue to push into the area, bringing
gusty northerly to northwesterly winds to the southern portions of
our forecast area. As such, Wind Advisory is in effect through 5:00
pm PDT/MST this evening for the Colorado River Valley, southern
Clark County, the Mojave Preserve, and Cadiz Basin. These gusty
northerly winds will bring 2 to 3 foot waves to area lakes, making
for hazardous boating conditions today. Additionally, strong
crosswinds will be possible along east-west roadways and instances
of blowing dust near dry lake beds may result in reduced visibility
at times. Drivers should make sure to use caution if traveling in
the area today. In addition to gusty winds, this system will also
bring cooler temperatures to the region today, with afternoon high
temperatures topping out around 5 to 10 degrees cooler than normal
for early May.

This shortwave will develop into a cut-off low that will then settle
over the region on Thursday and Friday. As a result we will see
breezy northerly winds linger through Thursday afternoon. Despite
having a cut-off low overhead, we will see temperatures recover back
up to seasonal values by Friday afternoon. As the cut-off low spins
overhead on Friday it will bring a 20 to 30% chance for isolated
afternoon showers and thunderstorms in northeastern Lincoln County.
Precipitation from any showers and thunderstorms is expected to be
light, as precipitable water (PWAT) values will be in the normal-to-
ever-so-slightly-above normal range and normal PWAT values for this
time of year are around 0.40". Outside of northeastern Lincoln
County, the rest of our forecast area will continue to remain dry.

.LONG TERM...Saturday through next Wednesday

A ridge moves into the west coast over the weekend and highs aloft
proceed rise into early next week. As a result, temperatures reach
above average values once again. For Las Vegas, this means highs in
the low to mid 90s. HeatRisk indicates widespread a Minor risk for
heat related impacts across the valleys starting Saturday, along
with a Moderate risk for impacts in Death Valley and areas along the
Colorado River starting Sunday. This level of heat that affects most
individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective
cooling or adequate hydration. Plan ahead for heat this weekend,
especially if spending time outdoors.
&&


.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...North-northeast winds early this
morning will turn back to the north-northwest by mid-morning. Wind
speeds will generally be 15-20kts with gusts to around 25kts through
the afternoon, followed by decreasing speeds during the evening.
There is a 45-50% chance of gusts to 30kts through 18Z. After that,
the chance of 30kt gusts decreases rapidly. North winds will
continue overnight into Thursday morning, with a slight increase in
speeds expected after sunrise tomorrow. VFR conditions will prevail
throughout the period, with only FEW-SCT clouds developing overnight
into Thursday morning.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...Las Vegas area TAF sites will follow similar trends to
KLAS, except winds at KVGT will likely remain north to northwest
throughout the TAF period, and wind speeds at KHND will be a few kts
lower or average. Gusty north winds to 30kts will continue at KBIH
through the afternoon, followed by gradually diminishing winds
overnight.  KDAG will also see winds gradually diminish today and
become light and variable by tonight. TAF site in the CRV will see
the strongest northerly winds today, with KIFP seeing gusts to near
40kts at times through the afternoon (55% chance of gusts to 45kts
before 20Z). VFR conditions will prevail through the period, with
only FEW-SCT clouds developing overnight into Thursday morning
across the northern half of the region.
&&


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

&&

$$

UPDATE...Varian
SHORT TERM...Stessman
LONG TERM...Meltzer
AVIATION...Planz

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