The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has shared its latest forecast, signaling changing weather ahead. A Freeze Warning for the Dyer, NV area expired this morning, bringing relief to gardeners. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly above average by midweek before dropping again as Tropical Storm Priscilla brings more unsettled weather, as reported by the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service's Area Forecast Discussion, the weather should remain "quiet" for most of the week due an upper-level trough transitioning to ridging. While the immediate forecast points to a warmer trend, the forecast discussion also indicated that the tropical storm, which has begun to gather strength south of Cabo San Lucas, could see its moisture get caught up in the upcoming trough—potentially bringing rain to the Desert Southwest late in the week or over the weekend. As of now, model solutions are varied and certainty on the details is low.
VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions are anticipated to continue across the region, which is good news for pilots and travelers alike. The aviation forecast suggests northerly winds following sunrise at Harry Reid International, shifting to northeast later in the morning with speeds around 8 knots and the occasional gust over 10 knots. Winds are expected to drop off and swing back to southwesterly as the sun sets, as per the National Weather Service.
As for the broader southern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and southeast California territories, the forecast is similar with gusts predicted not to exceed 20 knots. The National Weather Service notes a mix of northerly winds and some local variations—like Owens Valley's upvalley breeze and Barstow's customary westerly wind. Again, under VFR conditions, the navigable blue skies invite a sense of normalcy. Nonetheless, with Tropical Storm Priscilla on the western waters, we're reminded that the skies are as ever-changing as the desert below. Spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather events in accordance with standard procedures.
