Las Vegas and much of Southern Nevada are preparing for unusual weather this week, with forecasters from the National Weather Service (NWS) predicting mixed precipitation and gusty winds in the area. NWS reports that a warmer system will bring rain to the southern Mojave Desert and parts of Mohave County through tonight, with impacts expected to be more inconvenient than concerning today.
The weather is expected to intensify midweek as a stronger, colder storm moves through, bringing widespread rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds. Conditions are forecast to improve by Friday and Saturday, but the NWS predicts gusty winds and a chance of showers will return by Sunday and continue into early next week.
Today's immediate concerns include potential challenges for travelers. Satellite imagery from early this morning showed an upper-level low spinning off the southern California coast, according to the NWS. This system is bringing moisture and the potential for showers, particularly south of Barstow, CA, through Yucca Valley this afternoon and evening. Snow levels are expected to range from 6500 to 7000 feet, which is likely to result in limited snow impacts due to the warmer temperatures and light precipitation.
Calmer conditions are expected after midnight as the low-pressure system moves out of the region. For those seeking a positive note, today should be cooler than yesterday, thanks to the system bringing a drop in elevation and thick cloud cover. The southern Mojave County may see south to southwest gusts reaching up to 30 mph, though the strongest forcing and pressure gradient will likely be less pronounced.
Looking ahead, the NWS statement predicts that Wednesday through Tuesday will bring a notable change with a subsequent storm that could deliver a mix of rain and snow across varying elevations. High-amplitude conditions could lower snow levels down to 4500-5000 feet by Thursday morning, with some higher-elevation areas under Winter Storm Watches expecting hefty snow accumulations. In low-elevation areas, up to 0.10" to 0.30" of rain might accumulate, with the heaviest precipitation expected late Wednesday night through Thursday morning.
There is some positive news for the weekend weather, as weak northwesterly flow is expected to bring temperatures closer to the average for mid-March. However, concerns are on the horizon, with the NWS suggesting a new trough could bring another round of precipitation next week, although details remain uncertain. Aviators are also advised to exercise caution, as gusty southerly winds today are expected to be strongest in Mohave County, with gusts around 30 knots. As the week progresses, winds may intensify, potentially creating moderate to severe turbulence, particularly over the mountains northwest of Interstate 15.
Residents and travelers should keep their weather radios on and stay updated on the forecast, as the NWS encourages spotters to report any significant weather impacts following standard procedures. With the local climate showing signs of unpredictability, staying informed will be crucial for navigating the potentially changing weather ahead.
