As the mercury rises and the vegetation crackles under the relentless gaze of the sun, Las Vegas is bracing itself for a sweltering period ahead. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued an Extreme Heat Warning that will continue to scorch southern San Bernardino and southern Mohave counties, as well as the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, well into the weekend. According to NWS latest forecast, we're in for "hotter than normal temperatures and dry conditions."
Fire hazards are throwing another level of concern into the mix. Lincoln County is already under a "critical fire weather" condition, while surrounding regions are approaching this dangerous threshold. A decrease in winds is expected on Saturday, which might help to slowly ease the threat. However, the NWS cautions residents that any fires that do develop will have the potential to "spread rapidly." Residents are advised against outdoor burning and activities that could generate sparks.
According to NWS, adding to the environmental assault, smoke from southern California's wildfires will waft into the area, affecting air quality through at least Friday. Visibility might not take a huge hit at surface level, but "slantwise visibility reductions will continue along the Daggett-to-Las Vegas corridor," making it a hazy horizon for pilots and travelers alike. With temperatures peaking near 109F, Las Vegas is set to become an oven with a hazy lid.
Travel and aviation won't get a reprieve either, as gusty southwesterly winds are expected to persist. After 5 p.m., things should calm slightly, but gusts could occasionally reach upward of 20 knots. As per NWS, Aviation officials will undoubtedly keep a vigilant eye as "lofted smoke from wildfires over southern California will keep skies hazy" for the foreseeable future.
