Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Las Vegas, NV

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342
FXUS65 KVEF 071725
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1025 AM PDT Tue May 7 2024

.SYNOPSIS...Gusty northwesterly winds are expected across the
southern Great Basin region today. These winds will push south and
funnel down the Colorado River Valley overnight, continuing to gust
through Wednesday afternoon. Temperatures will return to normal
today, just in time to be knocked down a few degrees on Wednesday.
Beyond Wednesday we will see temperatures warm up through the end of
the week, with the warming trend continuing into the weekend.
&&


.UPDATE...Gusty north-northwest winds expected this afternoon, with
greatest speeds expected across the southern Great Basin, where
speeds will range from 20 to 30 mph. Temperatures today will hover
within a few degrees of seasonal averages. No changes were made to
the forecast this morning, as it looks to be in good shape.
&&


.PREVIOUS DISCUSSION...315 AM PDT Tue May 7 2024/

.SHORT TERM...Today through Friday.

A shortwave trough embedded in the northwesterly flow aloft will
begin to approach the region today. This will result in a
tightened north-south oriented surface pressure gradient, causing
northerly winds to pick up across the southern Great Basin today.
Wind gusts up to 40 mph across the southern Great Basin this
afternoon with locally higher gusts will be possible in areas of
higher terrain. This system will push into our forecast area during
the overnight period before settling over the area on Wednesday and
Thursday. Gusty northerly winds will increase as they push south
with this system during the overnight period, with widespread 40+
mph wind gusts expected for portions of the region. As such, a Wind
Advisory has been issued for southern Clark County, the Colorado
River Valley, Mojave National Preserve, and Cadiz Basin from 06Z
Wednesday to 00Z Thursday. These northerly winds will make for
hazardous boating conditions with 2 to 3 foot waves on area lakes,
difficulty driving conditions along east-west oriented roadways due
to strong crosswinds, and instances of blowing dust and sand
resulting in reduced visibility. Travelers should make sure to
exercise caution when driving within the areas under a Wind Advisory
on Wednesday. 25 to 35 mph northerly wind gusts will linger down the
Colorado River Valley on Thursday with isolated 40+ mph wind gusts
possible in the Laughlin / Bullhead City area. Breezy northerly
afternoon winds will continue through Friday as the shortwave
develops into a cut-off low and remains positioned directly overhead.

Outside of the winds, dry conditions will persist through the end of
the week, continuing into the weekend. Temperatures will return to
normal today before being knocked down 5 to 10 degrees on Wednesday
as the aforementioned shortwave pushes into the area. This cooldown
will be brief as temperatures will quickly rebound on Thursday and
Friday.

.LONG TERM...Saturday through next Tuesday

Temperatures will rise over the weekend and into early next week as
high pressure builds over the West Coast. Afternoon highs venture
into above average territory by Saturday, which for Las Vegas means
highs in the 90s. HeatRisk indicates widespread a Minor risk for
heat related impacts across the valleys on Sunday, along with a
Moderate risk for impacts in Death Valley and areas along the
Colorado River. 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...Light and variable winds early this
morning will turn to the north by mid-morning.  Occasional gusts to
20kts are possible late morning, followed by a period of lighter
northerly winds during the afternoon.  Winds will increase out of
the north after 00Z once again, with gusts of 30kts developing by
late evening.  Guidance shows a greater than 70% chance of winds
turning 010-040 overnight, but they should turn back to 330-360 by
sunrise Wednesday morning. VFR conditions will prevail through the
TAF period with only FEW to SCT clouds AOA 20kft AGL expected
through this evening, followed by clear skies overnight.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...Las Vegas area TAF site will follow similar trends to
KLAS, except winds at KVGT are expected to remain more northerly
overnight. KBIH will see northerly winds through the TAF period,
with gusts above 25kts developing by early afternoon and further
increasing to 30kts tonight. KDAG will see westerly winds through
the TAF period, with gusty winds to 30kts continuing into this
evening before decreasing to less than 15kts. TAF sites in the CRV
will follow typical diurnal trends into this afternoon, followed
by gusty northerly winds developing overnight. VFR conditions will
prevail at all sites through the TAF period, with only FEW-SCT
clouds AOA 20kft AGL expected.
&&


.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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