Las Vegas is expecting lighter winds today as a low pressure system makes its way through the Southern Great Basin. This will bring a temporary cool down to the area, but no significant storm impacts are anticipated. For those in Inyo, Esmeralda, and Nye Counties, there could be some scattered thunderstorm activity this afternoon, with the potential for brief, gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The National Weather Service's report highlights that the "500mb temperatures are notably cold," which could allow for some surprise convection despite the overall dry air in the region. Thunderstorms may be in play due to "weak instability" and "decent surface heating," but the chance of any significant precipitation reaching the ground remains low. A 30% chance of rain over 0.01 inch in the areas most prone to see rain today is about as wet as it will get.
Looking ahead into the weekend, any weather disturbances should settle down by Sunday. By then, the shortwave is set to move eastward, lifting and weakening, and allowing temperatures to start climbing back up. The National Weather Service expects high temperatures on Sunday to be "a few degree" warmer than today's more mild readings.
Heading into next week, the weather outlook includes another shortwave trailing close behind this weekend's, which might stir up some breezy but less intense winds across the region. As the new system passes, "ridging reestablishes itself over the area and our warming trend resumes," according to the NWS. While the specifics remain somewhat fuzzy due to the variable position of the cut-off low and overlying ridge later in the week, there is strong confidence in persistent above-normal temperatures towards the week's end.
In terms of aviation impacts, Harry Reid Airport is expected to continue experiencing southwesterly to southerly winds over the next 24 hours. Winds will pick up after 16z, yet VFR conditions should prevail throughout the forecast period. In the more northern and central parts of Nevada and for regions like the Western Mojave, winds might persist longer into the evening and could accompany some dust if thunderstorms develop and produce outflows.
Amid these weather developments, the NWS statement calls on spotters to "report any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating procedures." With the forecast in hand, residents and visitors can anticipate a largely dry and gradually warming weather scenario, punctuated only by a small chance for a thunderous encore this afternoon.
