Las Vegas woke up Thursday to crisp, clear skies and chilly temperatures around 36°F, but the calm is on borrowed time. Rain showers are likely after about 10 a.m. today, and gusty southwest winds are expected to ramp up late in the day and overnight. A Wind Advisory covers much of the valley and surrounding areas, with some neighborhoods looking at gusts up to 50 to 55 mph this evening. Mountain roads are also in the crosshairs for accumulating snow, so build in extra time if you are heading into the high country.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
South and southwest winds will strengthen through the afternoon, with a Wind Advisory in effect from 4 p.m. Today, through 4 a.m. tomorrow. Forecasters are calling for gusts of 40 to 60 mph in the windiest spots and locally higher gusts near 55 mph, according to NWS Las Vegas. Those kinds of winds can make driving dicey for high-profile vehicles and turn unsecured items into backyard projectiles, so lock down patio furniture, trash cans and outdoor signage. Expect crosswinds on elevated ramps and bridges, and give yourself extra following distance on wet pavement.
Rain, Snow and Mountain Travel
Showers should spread across the area after about 10 a.m. Thursday and linger through the afternoon and evening. Colder air higher up will help fire off heavier showers and mountain snow in the Spring Mountains. Several inches to around a foot of snow are possible at the highest elevations, and passes such as Mountain Pass could turn slick during the afternoon. If you have to head into the mountains, carry chains, allow extra travel time, and be ready for brief drops in visibility on windy, snowy stretches of road.
Commute and Travel Tips
Plan on slower-than-normal freeway speeds and potential delays during the evening commute. Gusty crosswinds will be most noticeable on I-15 ramps, elevated sections, and along the US-95 corridor. If you can, consider pushing nonessential mountain trips to Friday morning when winds ease and conditions improve. Whatever your plans, keep a charged phone and an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Earlier Coverage
We have been tracking this blustery pattern since Wednesday, when early-day gusts first got everyone’s attention. For a recap of how conditions ramped up from that initial windy wake-up into today’s stronger system, check out our earlier update.
Looking Ahead
Winds should back off Friday morning, setting the stage for a drier, sunnier stretch over the weekend, with highs in the mid to upper 50s. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 60s and low 70s early next week as high pressure builds, bringing calmer weather back to much of the valley.
