As gusty winds ripple through Las Vegas today, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Las Vegas has issued a High Wind Warning for the Spring Mountains and parts of Clark and southern Nye counties. According to the NWS, Las Vegas residents should brace for widespread wind gusts between 40 to 50 mph, with the potential for even stronger gusts in some areas.
The wind advisory uptick to a warning comes with concerns about severe crosswinds impacting Highway 95 near Mercury, especially where the thoroughfare runs almost parallel to the mountains. Saved by the bell from soaring temperatures, the cooler winds are expected to bring a significant drop in the mercury—expect a five to ten-degree decrease today with another 10 to 15-degree tumble anticipated for Tuesday. The cooler air will not be welcoming precipitation, with rain mainly confined to the Sierra crest and northern Lincoln County, according to the NWS forecast.
Harry Reid International Airport and its surrounding areas are anticipated to sit under the continuous sweep of south-southwest winds through the TAF period, with the strongest gusts forecasted to buffet during daytime hours. Gusts could peak at 35-40 knots this afternoon, inching towards the Airport Weather Warning criteria of 48+ knot winds.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week, the biting wind will begin to subside on Wednesday as the intense trough that facilitated the blustery conditions moves eastward. However, despite the gradual warming trend, temperatures will be curbed somewhat due to a persisting northwesterly flow. Another disturbance, predicted for Sunday into Monday, could stir the winds once more and usher in a redux of cooler temperatures, with details on its intensity and trajectory still up in the air, as noted by the NWS.
For aviators, the situation is a fair-weather friend. VFR conditions remain with scattered to broken clouds above 15,000 feet. Nevertheless, pockets of severe turbulence can be expected near and downstream from elevated terrain. Giving rise to anticipation for what the upcoming week may hold weather-wise, citizens and pilots alike should stay informed and heed the guidance provided by the NWS.
