The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued an Area Forecast Discussion outlining weather expectations for the coming days. Gusty winds are expected in Owens Valley and the Sierra, while milder temperatures and afternoon breezes will affect nearby areas. Temperatures are forecasted to peak tomorrow before gradually cooling throughout the week. Rainfall is expected to begin on Tuesday, with the Sierra and Owens Valley experiencing heavier showers, and lighter showers possible in the southern Great Basin.
As reported by the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, a "Low amplitude ridge will remain in place across much of the Southwest" will persist across much of the Southwest, with temperatures expected to rise into the 70s in most desert regions today. Tomorrow, a slight warm-up is forecasted, potentially exceeding 80 degrees in places like Lake Havasu and Barstow. Gusty southwest winds will aid in mixing warm air, leading to even higher temperatures.
The long-term forecast hints at an "atmospheric river" continuing to bring moisture to the western United States throughout the week. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the precise path of this moisture plume, both the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the Global Forecast System (GFS) ensemble means seem to agree that chances of rain for the Mojave Desert remain on the lower side, due to the Sierra Nevada creating a rain shadow effect.
However, the forecast for snow is quite clear; high elevations reaching above 8,000 feet could see between 3 and 5 feet of snow along the Sierra Crest. Gusty winds are expected to prevail across the region, too, which strengthens in the afternoons, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph. As for the Owens Valley, it's predicted to receive the majority of measurable precipitation; the North American Model version 5.0 shows a 72-hour precipitation range of "0.36" - 1.76"".
Harry Reid International Airport is expected to experience light east-northeast winds this afternoon, staying under 8 knots. Winds will shift to the southwest and may increase to over 10 knots, with gusts up to 20 knots until sunset. After 02Z, gusts are expected to subside, but winds of 10-15 knots may continue into tomorrow morning. VFR conditions are anticipated, with clear skies and cloud ceilings around 20,000 feet. Similar breezy conditions are forecast for southern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and southeast California, with gusts up to 25 knots at KDAG in the afternoon.
