The National Weather Service Las Vegas issued a weather forecast early this morning, highlighting a weekend to be marked by gusty west winds across the region. According to the NWS, a weather system will make its way into the Pacific Northwest, triggering these conditions. Locals should expect the wind to pick up with the arrival of a 115 kt 250mb jet streak, particularly affecting areas like the Sierra Crest and the western Mojave Desert, with wind gusts potentially reaching over 40 mph.
Residents along Highway 395 near Bishop and in western San Bernardino County have been advised to be ready for potential wind impacts, as chances stand at about 20 percent for winds to exceed the 40 mph threshold tomorrow. The NWS has robustly urged boaters along the Colorado River Valley to check up on forecasts before setting out, as winds between 20 and 30 mph are likely to persist throughout the weekend, with breeziness expected to continue into Sunday. Temperatures for the period, meanwhile, are forecasted to remain near-normal with a dry spell prevailing.
VFR conditions and mostly clear skies will dominate the aviation weather for Harry Reid International Airport, with light winds adhering to typical patterns and speeds below 8 knots. While most areas should encounter light winds through the TAF period, the Colorado River Valley will be the exception, where north winds, gusting betwixt 15 and 25 knots, are expected to kick up by late morning and persist until sunset.
The NWS has activated the local spotter network, calling upon these observers to report any significant weather or impacts as they materialize.
