Lovers of mild winters in the Vegas area, rejoice. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has predicted a streak of "relatively benign weather" for the region that spills into early next week, a return to some semblance of winter normalcy after the recent wild temperature swings. According to the forecast discussion posted by the National Weather Service, we're looking at "cooler temperatures over the weekend", but nevertheless, numbers that still hover "at or slightly above normal for early February."
The short-term outlook through Monday includes a "broad troughing" across the Western US, ensuring the weather stays quiet, though a sprinkling of small disturbances will bring a little bit of wind without much fanfare, wrapping up the weekend with increasing cloud cover, these are all just precursors to what's forecasted to be the next big act mid-to-late in the week — an atmospheric river setting its sights on Southern California.
By Tuesday through Friday, it's expected that temperatures across southern Nevada will hold "at or below seasonal averages," due in part to a series of shortwaves rippling off that same trough, leading to some notably breezy afternoons especially around midweek. The extended forecast also indicates potential rain for Las Vegas, aiming to break the "dry streak" plaguing the city, although with predictions a week out, certainty remains elusive, "details are guaranteed to change," so perhaps "don't break out the umbrellas just yet," as the forecast discussion tells us.
Aviation-wise, it's smooth skies ahead for Harry Reid International and surrounding airstrips, with winds dying down and the promise of "VFR conditions prevailing through Sunday morning." Gusty conditions are predicted to wane, and airplanes can expect a period of light and variable winds with a sprinkle of high clouds overhead causing no operational issues, making it an easy day for pilots and passengers alike.
For those with a vigilante approach to weather reporting, the Nevada Weather Service endorses a call to action — spotters in the region are encouraged to report significant observations back to base, making sure "any significant weather or impacts" are captured according to standard procedures. Long gone are the stagnant skies of yesteryear, it appears that the winds of change, albeit light and erratic, will be sweeping through southern Nevada, breathing life back into the winter that almost wasn't.
