Las Vegas gets a split-personality forecast this weekend: clear skies and mild morning temperatures at first, then a gusty Saturday afternoon as a Pacific trough slides through the region. Highs will land near 80°F on Saturday, April 11, with south-southwest winds of 12–21 mph and gusts as high as 30 mph into the afternoon. Boaters on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave should plan for 1–3 foot waves and hazardous conditions through the day. Higher elevations in the Eastern Sierra are under a Winter Weather Advisory tonight into Sunday, with several inches of snow possible above 8,000 feet.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
South-southwest breezes will strengthen through midday, with sustained speeds in the teens and gusts up to about 30 mph across the valley, making crosswinds difficult for high-profile vehicles and large trucks. "Folks on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave should be prepared for 1–3 foot waves and hazardous boating conditions," according to the National Weather Service Las Vegas. Expect patchy blowing dust in the usual dry-lot areas and choppy water on the Colorado River through the afternoon.
Sunday System And Mountain Snow
A stronger system is expected Sunday into Monday that will lower temperatures and increase wind gust potential across the Mojave and along the Colorado River. Forecasters note elevated chances for gusts to reach 40 mph in typical hotspots on Sunday. The storm will focus the wettest weather on the Sierra, where elevations above 8,000 feet may pick up 3–7 inches of overnight snow and gusty winds that could cut visibility on mountain roads. We covered the broader pattern earlier this week; Vegas bakes into the 80s for background on the developing setup.
What To Do This Weekend
Secure loose outdoor items, delay nonessential boat trips, and give yourself extra time on open highways where gusts will be strongest. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for elevations above 8,000 feet from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11 through 11:00 p.m. Sunday, April 12, with 3–7 inches of snow possible near 8,000–9,500 feet and gusts up to 60 mph that will reduce visibility on mountain highways. If you must travel into the Spring Mountains, carry chains and be prepared for sudden reductions in visibility, and spotters are encouraged to report significant impacts to local authorities.
