The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for today and tomorrow due to dangerously high temperatures across parts of the Mojave Desert, including Las Vegas, Pahrump, Lake Mead, Death Valley, and Barstow. Forecasts show temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal, with potential record-breaking highs and warm overnight lows, especially on Saturday night due to cloud cover. A Level 2 to Major Level 3 HeatRisk is in effect, posing serious health risks for those without proper cooling or hydration, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Tropical moisture from a low-pressure system off the Baja California coast and the remnants of Tropical Storm Alvin are expected to move inland this weekend. This will increase the chance of rain and lower temperatures early next week, especially in northwestern Arizona on Sunday. For aviation, VFR conditions are expected with mid- and high clouds at or above 15,000 feet. "Light and variable winds this morning are expected to settle out of the southeast similar to previous days. While sustained wind speeds through early this evening are expected to remain under 8KT, intermittent gusts to around 10-15KT are possible during peak heating this afternoon," according to the National Weather Service. Winds are expected to become light overnight, with some increase in southwesterly winds near KHND this evening. Heat remains the main concern for travel and flight operations.
Several climate locations are nearing record temperatures. Las Vegas could reach a high of 106°F, matching the record from 2002. Overnight lows may also approach the 83°F record set in 2003. Death Valley may tie or exceed its 2002 record high of 118°F. The National Weather Service encourages weather spotters to report any significant weather impacts during these conditions.
