Friday, March 6 started off calm in Las Vegas, with clear skies and temperatures near 50°F at Harry Reid International Airport early this morning. That quiet start will not last. Highs are forecast to reach the mid 60s this afternoon as north to northwest winds ramp up, with gusts expected to top 40 to 45 mph in exposed parts of the valley. Drivers are urged to take extra care on the roads and residents should secure loose outdoor items, since the strongest winds are expected to line up with the afternoon commute.
Wind Advisory And Timing
The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has a Wind Advisory in effect through Saturday night, calling for sustained north winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to around 45 mph today and even stronger gusts Saturday in higher terrain. Forecasters say the most intense periods will be this afternoon and again on Saturday, when valley gusts could reach the mid 40s and higher elevations could see gusts near 60 mph. Dangerous crosswinds are possible on exposed stretches of Interstate 15 and Interstate 40, which could make driving difficult for high profile vehicles, according to NWS Las Vegas.
Dust And Air Quality
Clark County's Division of Air Quality issued a dust advisory Thursday, with gusty winds expected to kick up fine particulates that can sharply reduce visibility on open roads. People with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities are advised to limit outdoor exertion while advisories are in effect, and drivers who encounter blowing dust should slow down and pull over if visibility drops too low, per Clark County DAQ.
Weekend Outlook
Ridging is expected to build into the region Sunday and into next week, bringing a warming trend and mostly dry conditions. Highs are forecast to climb into the upper 70s to low 80s by early next week, with mid 80s possible by mid week. Winds should gradually ease on Sunday as the pressure gradient relaxes, but forecasters still expect another round of elevated gusts on Saturday before the lull, according to NWS Las Vegas.
