Las Vegas is starting out clear and mild this Saturday, April 25, with temperatures in the low-60s and light morning breezes. The afternoon will warm into the upper 70s, but an incoming system is set to kick up southwest winds and boost the chances of showers tonight. If you were banking on a night out on the Strip or a backyard cookout, it is a good idea to keep a backup plan in your pocket.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southwest winds will ramp up across the valley this afternoon, generally in the 7 to 21 mph range with gusts up to about 29 mph, enough to flip patio umbrellas and make cycling or driving larger vehicles a bit of a hassle. The National Weather Service notes that gusts will be much stronger farther northeast, and a Wind Advisory is up for parts of the western Mojave and Morongo Basin where 50 to 55 mph gusts are possible. Look for a high near 79°F before temperatures slip into the 50s overnight.
Saturday Night Showers
Showers become more likely Saturday night into early Sunday, with the forecast calling for roughly a 50% chance of light rain in the valley and a low around 55°F. Southwest winds should stay breezy, about 18 mph with gusts near 25 mph, so any brief downpours could roll through with sudden gusts and short-lived drops in visibility. For more on how this pattern set up, check out our earlier look at the windy weekend set to shake the Strip.
Plan Ahead
Tie down patio umbrellas and secure loose yard items before the afternoon wind really gets going, and build in extra time if you are driving, since crosswinds can be hazardous for trailers and other high-profile vehicles. Airline passengers should keep an eye on updates from carriers, as gusty conditions and brief showers may trigger sudden delays, and boaters on Lake Mead should be ready for choppy water. If you encounter downed power lines or large tree branches, steer clear of the area and report them to local authorities.
