Las Vegas is waking up mostly clear and deceptively calm, with mid-50s at Harry Reid International Airport and breezes already sliding through the valley. Forecasters say those modest winds are about to level up into gusty north-northwest blasts later today that will hang around through the weekend.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Expect sustained north-northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, with the strongest periods Thursday afternoon and again Saturday. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has a Wind Advisory in effect from 8 a.m. PST Thursday, March 5, through 10 p.m. PST Saturday, March 7, and warns of dangerous crosswinds on open highways such as Interstate 15 and Interstate 40, according to NWS Las Vegas. Drivers of trucks, RVs and other high-profile vehicles are urged to use extra caution, and boaters are advised to avoid small craft on Lake Mead and other reservoirs while the winds are howling.
Dust and Air Quality
Clark County’s Division of Air Quality has issued a Dust Advisory for Thursday, March 5 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST as the strong winds could kick up fine particulates and reduce visibility. People with asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions, along with older adults and children, are urged to limit outdoor exertion and keep windows closed. The county also asks residents to report excessive dust at 702-385-DUST. For more details, see Clark County DAQ.
Weekend Outlook
Temperatures will sit near seasonal normals through Friday, with highs around the mid-60s, before climbing into the low 70s Saturday and the upper 70s to low 80s by Sunday and Monday. Ridging builds late in the weekend, bringing a dry, warmer stretch into early next week, so outdoor plans are best slotted into the calmer morning hours where possible while the gusts do their thing in the afternoon.
How To Stay Ready
Before the strongest winds arrive, secure patio furniture, tarps and lightweight yard items so they do not turn into airborne projectiles. Give yourself extra time on commutes across exposed stretches of I-15 and U.S.-95, especially in high-profile vehicles. If you encounter blowing dust that reduces visibility, slow down, turn on headlights and pull over if necessary. Use 911 for emergencies, and call the dust hotline for nuisance dust sites.
