Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Las Vegas, NV

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427 FXUS65 KVEF 131127 AFDVEF Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Las Vegas NV 427 AM PDT Sun Jul 13 2025 .KEY MESSAGES... * Isolated showers may develop today in the terrain of Clark and Mohave counties. If this occurs, sudden gusty winds would be possible * Smoke from nearby fires will result in hazy skies at times through at least Sunday, but significant or widespread smoke impacts near the surface are not expected. * Above normal temperatures will continue through the beginning of the week and heat headlines have been issued for Monday. * Monsoon moisture makes a possible return mid to late next week along with a drop in temperatures. && .DISCUSSION...Today through Saturday. Moisture has increased slightly since yesterday with PWATs +0.5 inches south of the I-15. In general, this moisture shouldn`t do much, however latest runs of the HRRR indicates that isolated showers could develop in the terrain of Clark and Mohave counties this afternoon. Given the marginal moisture, this is possible, but could be a struggle as little to no instability will develop at the surface this afternoon. If showers did occur, minimal rain would reach the surface given the dry low levels noted on forecast soundings. However, with increasing DCAPE and evaporative cooling, sudden gusty winds would be possible. Hazy skies are expected at times over the next few days as various fires burn across the region combined with generally light winds aloft. Most of the smoke over Las Vegas and northern Mohave County is originating from the Dragon Bravo Fire, a 1500 acre fire near the north rim of the Grand Canyon, as well as the White Sage Fire, a 20 thousand acre fire southeast of Fredonia, Arizona. According to the HRRR Smoke model, smoke these fires as well as the Gothic Fire in central Nye County will overspread much of the region today, spreading further south and west than previous days. Most of the smoke should remain aloft though and with minimal reductions in visibility at the surface. Above normal temperatures will persist as high pressure continues to build over the region through Monday. Surface high temperatures will climb 6-8 degrees above normal Sunday and Monday, the hottest days of next week. Most areas will be under Moderate (Level 2 of 4) HeatRisk today with pockets of Major (Level 3 of 4) around the Mojave Desert. By Monday, the pockets of Level 3 expand in coverage to include large swaths including the Las Vegas Valley, Amargosa Valley, Pahrump, Death Valley, and Valley of Fire. This level affects anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration and may impact heat sensitive industries and infrastructure. A Heat Advisory remains in effect for Esmeralda, Lincoln, and central Nye counties, and an Extreme Heat Warning for Death Valley and the remainder of southern Nevada on Monday. The ridge will slowly retreat and weaken after Monday. Temperatures will cool off each day in response starting Tuesday as heights aloft fall. Moisture should also start to increase with this pattern. While it will not result in any precipitation right away, it will help cool temperatures and reduce any fire danger. High temperatures will be close to normal by Wednesday and expected to remain near normal through the rest of the week. Precipitation chances start to sneak into northwestern Arizona by Wednesday, increasing in coverage and spreading west Thursday through Saturday as a shortwave over the Baja Peninsula interacted with increased moisture that pushes in after Thursday. With uncertainty in how much moisture moves into the region the second half of the week, low confidence in possible impacts and chances for precipitation later this week. && .AVIATION...
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For Harry Reid...For the 12Z Forecast Package...There are two main concerns for this period. One is southeast wind in the afternoon, which could spike up around 10 knots on occasion. The second is the small, but not zero, chance of a microburst. Mid level clouds based around 12-15K feet were already in the Mormon Mesa corridor early this morning and moving west. As these clouds move/expand west and south during the day, there is a chance they could produce one or more microbursts/"virga bombs." If this occurs, it is more likely to happen in the Mormon Mesa or Peach Springs corridor, possibly pushing easterly outflow winds toward the terminal. It is less likely for one to occur near the terminal, but if it does, very strong and sudden erratic winds would result. Wildfire smoke aloft is expected to persist through most or all of the TAF period. Temperatures to exceed 100F between 18z and 05z, with a peak around 110F. For the rest of southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona and southeastern California...For the 12Z Forecast Package...The main concern for this period is a risk of microbursts/"virga bombs". If this occurs, it is more likely to happen in Mohave County, although Clark and eastern San Bernardino have non-zero chances as well. Any microburst would produce very strong and sudden erratic winds. Otherwise, wind gusts of 20 knots or less can be expected. Wildfire smoke aloft is expected to persist through most or all of the TAF period.
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&& .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating procedures. && $$ DISCUSSION...Nickerson AVIATION...Morgan For more forecast information...see us on our webpage: https://weather.gov/lasvegas or follow us on Facebook and Twitter