The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued a Red Flag Warning for Esmeralda County and parts of Nye County today due to dry conditions and strong winds. A Fire Weather Watch is also in effect for both counties on Tuesday. In addition, an Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for southern Mohave County and the Colorado River Valley on Wednesday as temperatures are expected to rise to dangerous levels, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service reports that a strong high pressure system will bring very hot temperatures to the lower Colorado River Valley, with highs between 110 and 120 degrees on Wednesday. Temperatures may drop slightly on Thursday but are expected to rise again over the weekend. In southern Nevada, especially in Esmeralda and Nye counties, winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, low humidity, and dry vegetation will create dangerous fire weather conditions. “These winds combined with afternoon relative humidities bottoming out in the single digits and critically dry fuels will result in critical fire weather conditions across portions of southern Nevada.” Outdoor burning and spark-producing activities are discouraged.
Flight operators and travelers in southern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and southeast California can expect mostly clear skies and typical weather conditions. At Harry Reid International Airport, light easterly winds will shift to the south in the afternoon, with gusts of 15 to 20 knots. "Winds follow typical diurnal patterns today," the forecast says. The National Weather Service does not expect to activate weather spotters but encourages reports of any significant weather or impacts.
