Las Vegas locals and visitors should expect localized gusty winds over the next few days, as a weather system makes its way through the Pacific Northwest. According to the National Weather Service Las Vegas NV, these conditions are anticipated to affect the Sierra Crest and the western Mojave Desert, particularly through late afternoon and evening hours. While the winds, with gusts between 40 to 50 mph, will primarily pester higher elevations, limited effects might spill into the Owens Valley along the US-395 corridor.
As this system blows through, the notoriously dry Vegas weather will maintain its streak, and temperatures should hover around seasonal normalcy. "Dry weather and seasonable temperatures will persist through the forecast period," as per the National Weather Service official forecast discussion. There is a promise of tranquility later in the week, once the trough moves on to the Central Plains and high pressure plants itself firmly over the Southwest.
Aviators set to depart or arrive at Harry Reid Airport also face some windy nuisances. Gusty southerly to southwesterly winds will continue throughout the day, potentially intensifying during late afternoon to early evening. "There is a low probability (20-30%) that gusts may briefly exceed 25KT, mainly during the late afternoon and early evening," according to the National Weather Service. Thankfully, VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions are expected to remain dominant, with only scattered to broken clouds around 25,000 feet to contend with.
Elsewhere in southern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and southeast California, similar gusty conditions will take hold. Regions through the Owens Valley will encounter northerly gusts at 20-30KT until early evening. Over on the western Mojave Desert's end, the winds will be even more assertive, with gusts reaching 25-35KT starting this morning. "Aside from the aforementioned, gusts will gradually diminish this evening, with winds dropping to 10KT or less overnight," the National Weather Service notes, ensuring a calm end to a blustery day. Spotters in the region have been encouraged to report any significant weather occurrences or impacts as they occur.
