Las Vegas is gearing up for rising temperatures and the potential return of monsoon moisture, according to the National Weather Service. In a forecast discussion released early Thursday morning, the NWS Las Vegas NV noted a gradual increase in temperatures moving towards the norm for this time of year, with a "Moderate HeatRisk" expected to set in through early next week. A statement obtained by the National Weather Service informed residents that the temperature uptick is the result of high pressure building in from the southeast.
Making an early appearance, the skies above Las Vegas were clear in the early morning, based on the satellite loop. The NWS predicts the last sub-100 degree high temperature at KLAS has likely passed until a thunderstorm day occurs. While temperatures rise, the "HeatRisk only climbs into the Moderate category except for a few splotches of Major on Monday." With this being part of the hot season's peak, no heat advisories have been issued, though conditions are closely monitored.
Thunderstorm aficionados might have something to look forward to next week. A "slow return of moisture" is expected, which could usher in thunderstorm chances for Mohave County as early as Tuesday, eventually spreading northwestwards. The possibility of these storms has been more strongly anticipated in the GFS ensemble predictions than in the ECMWF ones. While the weather models have had differences, "the main message is that thunderstorm season is almost here," according to the NWS.
Flying conditions over Harry Reid International remain largely unfettered. Pilots can expect "winds expected to remain light and follow typical, daily patterns through the morning hours," picking up slightly in the afternoon with south-southeast breezes developing with speeds around 10 knots and occasionally gusting around 15 knots, as per the NWS 12Z Forecast Package. Clear skies will prevail as the mercury crests the 100F mark between 21z and 02z, peaking around 102F.
The rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and southeast California will see similar conditions. Throughout these regions, afternoon south-southeasterly breezes with gusts up to 20 knots are anticipated, except around Barstow, where easterly winds will give way to a westerly push with potential gusts around 25 knots.
