Las Vegas residents can expect a breezy Thursday and a changing weather pattern as March begins. North-northeast winds are predicted to persist throughout the day, especially along and south of I-15. Gusts are expected to reach 30-40 mph near the Laughlin-Needles area and along the western slopes of southern Mohave County, while gusts in other areas are forecast to range from 15-30 mph, according to the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service.
As Friday approaches, a weakening low-pressure system will give way to a new cut-off low moving toward the Southern California coast. Due to the nature of these systems, there is some uncertainty about the exact timing and path. However, forecasts indicate that the system will move across southern California Friday night and into central and southern Arizona on Saturday. Despite this disturbance, temperatures are expected to remain above typical late February and early March averages, with Mojave Desert highs in the 70s and low 80s. Cloud cover on Saturday may reduce heating, but temperatures are still expected to be slightly above average.
The longer-term forecast shows a series of troughs impacting the region, with the next system expected to move onshore over northern California early Sunday, according to the National Weather Service Las Vegas, NV. This system is likely to bring more moisture to the area, and while forecast models vary in specifics, there is confidence in the potential for some rain, particularly across the southern Great Basin and eastern Sierra. Due to dry lower atmosphere conditions, precipitation is expected to be light, ranging from 0.10" to 0.20", and will mainly affect higher elevations and northern areas.
As the weather pattern evolves, a notable cooldown is expected after the passage of the trough, with temperatures dropping to levels more typical of early March, with highs in the 50s and 60s next week. After a period of warm and dry conditions, next week is forecast to be cooler, with chances for precipitation. Stay updated on the latest weather developments as the systems progress.
For those monitoring aviation conditions, northeast winds at Harry Reid are forecast to range from 9 to 12 knots during mid-morning today, increasing with gusts likely reaching 20 to 24 knots later. Winds are expected to diminish in the evening and overnight, though there is some variation in models regarding the timing of this change. Pilots and airport personnel should stay alert for these shifts. Aside from some high clouds moving across the sky tonight into Friday morning, skies are expected to remain mostly clear of operationally significant weather.
Attention to the spotter community: please report any significant weather events or impacts as they occur, following standard procedures, as the desert climate of Las Vegas can be variable.
