Las Vegans can anticipate a slight meteorological disturbance as the week commences, with a weak system drifting over the northern Great Basin stirring up some high clouds and brisk Sierra winds today, yet the city will soon bask under the benevolence of high pressure once again. The National Weather Service Las Vegas reports that "high pressure will build back in by midweek" and promises a return to arid conditions with temperatures reaching 6 to 10 degrees above typical mid-December readings for the remainder of the week, as per the National Weather Service.
While ridges and passes in the Sierra may experience gusty winds today, the winds should be less intense as they flow down the eastern slopes into Owens Valley this contrasts to the busy winds slashing along the lower Colorado River Valley, particularly around Laughlin and Bullhead City, where Tuesday and Wednesday could see gusts whipping up from 25 to 35 mph according to the forecast the National Weather Service Las Vegas has issued detailed expectations for clear skies and climbing temperatures in the short term outlook.
Looking ahead to the latter part of the week, an "upper level ridge in place" is set to keep the Southwest snug within a warmer-than-average pocket, based on ensemble guidance. The National Weather Service Las Vegas cautions, however, that conditions could shift come the weekend with an upper level trough approaching the Pacific Northwest, which might deflect most moisture away from us, but brings a "20 to 25 probability of receiving light precipitation" to the Eastern Sierra, even if confidence in this is currently on the low side.
As for aviation interests, Vegas skies will remain navigable with "light and diurnal" wind trends and increasing overnight cloud cover breaking up by midmorning Tuesday, so air traffic can expect minimal disruption, with BKN-OVC cloud cover at or above 20,000 feet through the night, and as for the KDAG and the Las Vegas Valley and Owens Valley TAF sites, winds will also be light and generally follow diurnal trends up until Monday evening when west winds expected to go up to 10-15 knots through the night—the forecast area also anticipates northerly breezes at KEED and KIFP that will, for the most part, follow the same trend, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Lastly, local weather enthusiasts and spotters might find interest in the forecast dangers, as "spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating procedures," the National Weather Service advises, so keep your eyes peeled and your reporting cap on as the week progresses.
