Las Vegas residents can expect a notable drop in temperature and an uptick in gusty winds as a low pressure system makes its approach to the west coast. This weather shift commences today with southwesterly winds strengthening across the region, ushering in cooler weekend temperatures and chances for isolated showers, according to the National Weather Service Las Vegas NV.
The NWS has issued a Wind Advisory for the western Mojave Desert and Death Valley, set to be in effect from 1:00 pm this afternoon through 11:00 pm tomorrow evening. Wind gusts are expected to reach 40 mph in the Morongo Basin, though these conditions are projected to be isolated, thereby not warranting an advisory in that area. For much of the remaining areas, winds will likely fall into the 30 to 40 mph range, with localized stronger gusts possible in terrain of higher elevations.
Moving through the weekend, the low pressure system will pull temperatures down around 5 to 10 degrees below average. "Increased chances for isolated to scattered convective showers" have been forecasted, with the highest probability being in the Eastern Sierra and southern Great Basin, the NWS reports. Lighter showers may also be seen further south, extending beyond the current indications due to cold temperatures aloft and stronger upper-level forcing.
By Monday, conditions are expected to shift as the broad trough axis begins to weaken, though temperatures will linger near seasonal norms. As the week progresses, a ridge build across the Western US is expected to push temperatures back up, climbing above average by midweek. The NWS anticipates by week's end, lower desert temperatures will have soared back into the 90s or possibly higher, "marking temperatures roughly 8 to 10 degrees above normal with generally light winds expected."
Aviation forecasts for Harry Reid and surrounding areas suggest that southwest winds will continue through tomorrow, with turbulence primarily during afternoon hours. Pilots and travelers should prepare for conditions with peaks gusting between 25 and 30 knots. Spotters in the region are encouraged to report significant weather or impacts, following standard operating procedures.
