Las Vegas is preparing for bad weather next week. Two storm systems are set to bring strong winds and rain, and the National Weather Service is warning that the second storm could disrupt normal activities.
The forecast points to gusty north winds this afternoon, particularly in the Colorado River Valley, although not severe enough for the National Weather Service to issue a wind-related warning. "Boaters on Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu should take caution with 2-3 feet waves possible at times," NWS reports. Elsewhere, residents can anticipate light breezes and a return to seasonal temperatures under mostly sunny skies this weekend.
Starting Monday, however, things begin to shift. The initial system, described as weaker, will likely carry limited precipitation mostly confined south of the I-15 corridor. The National Weather Service suggests "a 75% chance of less than 0.25" in the higher terrain and 0.10" in the valleys,” for those areas that do receive any rainfall.
Come Wednesday, the second weather system is expected to make its presence known more widely. "At various points Wednesday afternoon through Thursday, every location in the CWA has at least 70% PoPs," according to the NWS discussion. This system is set to bring more appreciable rainfall and gusty winds. Las Vegas and other neighboring towns could see stronger gusts, potentially reaching or surpassing 40 mph, the forecast indicates.
Aviation interests are not to be left out of this windy narrative. The National Weather Service advises that at Harry Reid Airport, northerly gusts might persist until mid-morning, with the potential for a switch to northeasterly gusts up to 20 knots later on. As for aviation across the broader region, similar gusts are expected throughout the day, with winds calming by evening and transitioning to southerly gusts on Sunday in certain counties.
The NWS is urging spotters to report significant weather events, stressing the need for community preparedness. As winds pick up this week, residents and visitors should stay informed and be ready for the storms.
