The National Weather Service Las Vegas has announced the arrival of stormy weather for parts of the Mojave Desert region. According to the NWS latest forecast, there's a substantial chance of thunderstorms today, mainly east of a line from Barstow via the Nevada National Security Site. Authorities are most concerned about the strong winds accompanying these storms, with isolated heavy rain also posing a potential threat. As the week unfolds, conditions will shift, setting the stage for drier air tomorrow and widespread dry spells by Tuesday.
Wind and heat have been at play in the Mojave, with recent surface observations noting elevated dewpoints and hot temperatures relative to the past 24 hours. Tomorrow should mark a transitional period. Precipitable water values are expected to drop marginally, and with increasing levels of westerly winds, the stage is set for greater fire risk starting Tuesday. Despite a modest decrease in relative humidity and the upswing in wind strength, temperatures are likely to remain steadfast until later in the week.
Looking ahead, the NWS forecast discussion points to a prominent Pacific Northwest closed-low projected to usher in a strong autumnal pattern by midweek. While the exact trajectory of this system carries some uncertainty, its associated cold front will particularly shift the regional climate by plunging temperatures as much as 10 degrees from Tuesday to Thursday. The sustained gusty winds could initiate ahead of this front as early as Wednesday afternoon, with a noticeable shift from southwest to west-northwest winds post-frontal passage.
For those who hang their hats in Las Vegas, the short-term weather spiel is a mix of easterly breezes and potential thunderstorms for the beginning of the week, according to the NWS aviation forecast. By tomorrow, expect no significant atmospheric disturbances. For aviation aficionados and others in the southern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and southeast California regions, that same moist and unstable climate will likely generate scattered thunderstorms and erratic winds this afternoon and into the early evening. Spotters, as always, are crucial in these moments and are encouraged to report any significant weather occurrences as they unfold.
