Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Las Vegas, NV
Issued by NWS Las Vegas, NV
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672 FXUS65 KVEF 152253 AFDVEF Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Las Vegas NV 353 PM PDT Sat Aug 15 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... * Thunderstorm chances will continue today across portions of Lincoln, Clark and northern Mohave counties. Drier conditions are expected for the upcoming workweek. * Temperatures will steadily warm early this week, with areas of Moderate to Major HeatRisk developing across the Colorado River Valley, Death Valley, and parts of the Las Vegas Valley. && .DISCUSSION...through next weekend. One more day of scattered thunderstorm activity is expected across the region this afternoon before more stable conditions return Sunday and a gradual drying out develops next week. This mornings convective allowing guidance continues to favor western Clark and Lincoln Counties, and central San Bernardino Counties for the most robust activity. This mornings 18z VEF sounding shows a trend towards less instability today compared to Friday, with a slight warming of 500mb temps, and drier air aloft above 600mb. Southwesterly shear has also weakened slightly compared to 24 hours ago, but remains elevated for mid-August, with about 20-30 knots of bulk shear. These subtle changes should result in a modest decrease in hail risk and overall storm coverage, but continued potential for localized strong wind gusts and pockets of heavy rain. While instability will wane further on Sunday, some mid-level moisture from Tropical Depression Hernan will become entrained in the southwesterly flow resulting in widespread mid-level clouds and some low shower/sprinkle chances through the day across the eastern Mojave Desert, southern Nevada, and northwest Arizona. By early next week, high pressure will build across AZ/NM before expanding westward into eastern NV/Utah by the end of the week. This will result in increase HeatRisk across the region and a pause in the monsoonal thunderstorm activity that has been prevalent the past few days. Surface moisture will remain somewhat elevated keeping overnight low temps warm but moderating afternoon highs slightly. Nonetheless, a return of 110+ temps is expected across the Lower Colorado River Valley and Death Valley. By next weekend, there are hints a southerly flow will return and monsoonal thunderstorm activity may return - though uncertainty remains high. && .AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 00Z Forecast Package...Storm activity in the Las Vegas Valley within the vicinity of the terminal cannot be ruled out through around 02Z. Storms may produce gusty and erratic winds along with heavy rainfall and ceilings down to around 8kft AGL. Winds should favor a southwesterly direction overnight with speeds of less than 10 knots. For tomorrow, showers may move through the region in the morning and early afternoon. Southeasterly winds develop later in the afternoon. Temperatures will remain below 100 degrees today, and may reach 100 degrees around 00Z tomorrow afternoon. For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast California...For the 00Z Forecast Package...Convection will continue across parts of the Mojave Desert, southern Great Basin, and northwestern Arizona through sunset. Gusty and erratic winds and heavy rainfall are the primary concerns with these storms. Rain showers move through the region tomorrow morning, possibly reaching terminals in the Las Vegas Valley and Colorado River Valley. Sustained wind speeds tomorrow should be around 10 knots or less. && .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating procedures. && $$ DISCUSSION...Outler AVIATION...Meltzer For more forecast information...see us on our webpage: https://weather.gov/lasvegas or follow us on Facebook and Twitter