The National Weather Service in Las Vegas is forecasting a period of unsettled weather this weekend. Areas north and west of the I-15 corridor may see "isolated to scattered convection" this afternoon, along with gusty outflow winds, lightning, and light to moderate rain. A drop in temperatures and gusty winds are also expected, according to the National Weather Service.
A shortwave trough is moving through southeastern California and will affect southern Nevada and northwest Arizona. Moisture levels will increase, with precipitable water values reaching "0.60 to 0.80 inches or around 150 to 200% of normal for early May." There may be isolated showers and thunderstorms due to "100 to 300 J/kg of CAPE," with possible impacts including "30 to 40 mph outflow winds and lightning," which could make roads slick in some areas. Temperatures will be similar to the previous day, with partly-to-mostly cloudy skies. A stronger system is expected over the weekend, "bringing gusty winds, widespread precipitation chances, and a sharp decrease in temperatures." Warmer temperatures are expected on Friday before the system arrives, as reported by the National Weather Service.
A cold weather system is expected in early May, with snow levels in the eastern Sierra possibly dropping to around 8000 feet on Saturday night and "may be as low at 7000 feet by Sunday morning." Forecasts show "several inches of snow above 8000 feet" are possible. A closed low over western Arizona by Monday may keep temperatures cool and increase chances of precipitation. At Harry Reid Airport, the forecast includes "light and variable winds" in the morning, shifting to an easterly direction in the afternoon and early evening. There is a low chance of storms directly affecting the terminal, but variable breezy outflow winds may impact flight schedules, as stated by the National Weather Service.
