Las Vegas is preparing for a notable shift in weather conditions this week. After temperatures head back toward seasonal averages on Thursday, a strong weather system is expected to hit the region on Friday. The forecast anticipates this system to bring in colder temperatures, gusty winds, and chances for precipitation through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
A mid-level cyclone off the Pacific Northwest is indirectly affecting the area, bringing light rain mainly to the Tahoe Basin and increasing southwest winds in the southern Sierra of Inyo County, with gusts of 20-40 mph. The Las Vegas area will experience a dry period, with Thursday expected to be the warmest day before temperatures drop, lasting into the middle of next week.
Light precipitation is expected to begin after midnight Thursday night in the southern Sierra of Inyo County as a shortwave moves through southern California. Stronger westerly wind gusts of 30-40 mph will develop across the western Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County. From Friday through Tuesday, a deep trough of low pressure will bring cooler temperatures, 5-10 degrees below normal, and light precipitation mainly in the higher elevations of Inyo, Emeralda, Nye, and Lincoln Counties. Snow accumulation in the mountains may range from an inch at lower elevations to 1-3 inches above 8,000 feet in the southern Sierra.
Wind gusts at Harry Reid International Airport have decreased, with light northeasterly winds of 5-7 knots expected to continue until around 05-07Z. VFR conditions are forecast to persist with only passing high clouds, causing minimal disruption for aviation. Wind conditions across southeastern California, southern Nevada, and northwest Arizona will follow typical daily patterns, staying under 10 knots and providing generally favorable flying conditions.
The National Weather Service urges spotters to stay alert and report any significant weather or impacts as usual.