Las Vegas residents and visitors should brace for a swing in weather patterns starting today, with expectations set for increased cloud cover and precipitation moving from west to east across the area. According to a statement obtained by the National Weather Service Las Vegas, widespread rain and mountain snow are in the forecast, accompanied by gusty southwest winds and a noticeable drop in temperatures. "Conditions clear up through the weekend before another round of unsettled weather returns," they report.
Two recent trends will influence the forecast through Friday, leading to some adjustments in projections. First, snow levels for the initial round of precipitation have trended higher, resulting in lower snowfall amounts on the mountains. Additionally, the path of the second wave of moisture is dipping further south, which should decrease valley rainfall amounts, per the National Weather Service Las Vegas. The eastern Sierra Slopes and White Mountains, which are higher than 5000 feet, are nonetheless under warnings and advisories, effective early this morning, as they are still expected to receive a modest dusting of snow.
Las Vegas Valley and surrounding regions are looking at a gusty situation with southwest winds today and tomorrow. Areas in northern and western San Bernardino County might see wind gusts in the range of 45 to 55 mph. Wind advisories for these zones are set to start at 7 pm this evening and last until 1 am Friday. Not deep enough to prompt a wind warning, Las Vegas could experience localized gusts up to 40 mph on Thursday with isolated instances of downsloping.
Looking forward into the long term, there seems to be some respite over the weekend with a large ridge promising to bring temperatures back to seasonal normals and mostly sunny skies. However, by Monday, another Pacific trough looms, threatening to bring yet another bout of gusty winds and mountain precipitation chances that could extend into midweek. Despite the high variability in the details concerning the trough's depth and timing, there is an expectation of a general downward trend in temperatures as the next week progresses.
Aviators in Harry Reid and neighboring airports should anticipate changes as well, with the 12Z Forecast Package outlining varied windows for rain showers and wind shifts all across southern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and southeast California. For more detailed information, pilots should refer to the aviation section of the National Weather Service's report to adjust their flight plans accordingly. Spotters in these regions are also encouraged to report any significant weather or impacts as per usual protocols.
