The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued a weather forecast indicating that the region will continue to see dry conditions and above-normal temperatures today and Thursday. While there's a slight uptick in moisture coming this Friday and Saturday, it appears that any hope for significant rainfall may be isolated to the higher terrains of Northwest Arizona and the eastern Mojave Desert. According to the National Weather Service, the anticipated monsoonal flow will primarily affect areas east of Las Vegas.
The forecast through Thursday consists of "mostly sunny skies" and temperatures that are expected to "top out a few degrees above normal," as stated in the National Weather Service report. A batch of mid-level moisture has been noted over central and eastern Arizona, however, it seems to be struggling to effectively push into the Southern Nevada area. This trend is projected to continue, with only a slow northerly advect of moisture and no precipitation for the region through Thursday. Aviation forecasts for Harry Reid suggest light winds, with VFR conditions prevailing and a few mid-level clouds above 12kft AGL developing over the terrain south of the field.
Looking ahead to the long term, from Friday through next Wednesday, the low-pressure system off the California coast is expected to gradually introduce more moisture into the area. Yet, "recent model guidance has shown moisture struggling to move up the Colorado River Valley" as per the National Weather Service update, resulting in lowered probabilities of precipitation previously indicated by the models. Through Labor Day Weekend and into next week, conditions are anticipated to remain largely dry and close to several degrees above average.
The specific effects on aviation include variable winds throughout the region and standard VFR conditions at all sites. The National Weather Service also noted the particular trend for northerly and southerly winds at sites like KBIH and KDAG. Spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather occurrences, following standard operating procedures.
