Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Las Vegas, NV
Issued by NWS Las Vegas, NV
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 For more forecast information...see us on our webpage: https://weather.gov/lasvegas or follow us on Facebook and Twitter