598
FXUS65 KVEF 122140
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
240 PM PDT Thu Mar 12 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* A significant warming trend will continue through next week with
  temperatures around 20 degrees hotter than normal resulting in
  Minor-to-Moderate HeatRisk across the area.

&&

.DISCUSSION...through Thursday.

Temperatures will be on the upward trend today through Saturday as
high pressure builds into the region. Not much change in the
forecast temperatures through Friday. This weekend, a shortwave is
expected to drop through the area which will decrease heights and
turn wind northwest. Of note, this shortwave is much more robust
with recent model runs which has cooled temperatures Saturday and
Sunday compared to the previous forecast. The probability for Las
Vegas to reach 90F this weekend has dropped to 10% centered around
Saturday. On Sunday, temperatures will run 3-5 degrees cooler from
Saturday instead of remaining steady between the 2 days. It will
still be well above normal though, even on Sunday high temperatures
will climb 10-15 degrees above normal, so messaging of impacts
remains on track and anyone with outdoor plans this weekend should
practice heat safety with extra water, sunscreen, and light weight
clothing. This stronger system for the weekend has also increased
winds compared to the previous forecast. Probabilities for impactful
wind gusts over 40 MPH remain low (30% or less), but breezy
northwest winds gusting 20-30 MPH are expected in the Southern Great
Basin on Saturday. On Sunday, enhanced north winds gusting 25-35 MPH
could impact boaters on Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu. Will need to
monitor trends as we get closer to this weekend for potential wind
impacts. On Monday, the shortwave will exit and strong ridging will
build in and settle over the Southwest US. Temperatures will rapidly
warm through the week with Minor HeatRisk regionally and Moderate
HeatRisk in most valley locations by midweek. This could pose an
increased risk to anyone sensitive to the heat, people who have not
had the chance to acclimate to the heat, and those without access to
adequate cooling and hydration will be at the greatest risk for
adverse heat related impacts. People traveling to the Southwest for
Spring Break or making outdoor recreation plans should make sure to
take proper precautions to mitigate negative heat impacts by wearing
lightweight and light colored clothing, taking extra care to remain
hydrated, and wearing sunscreen.
&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 00Z Forecast Package...Light
winds under 8KT following typical daytime and nighttime patterns are
expected through Friday. East to northeast winds will become
southwest after sunset, remaining around 5KT through the night.
Mostly clear skies will persist through the period with any clouds
at or above 20kft.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 00Z Forecast Package...Breezy north winds
gusting 20-25KT will diminish around sunset. North winds at 8-10KT
are expected overnight. North winds will return to the Colorado
River Valley Friday late morning and afternoon but will be lighter
compared to today with gusts 15-20KT in the afternoon. For the rest
of the region, light winds following typical directional patterns
are expected through tonight. Mostly clear skies with FEW-SCT clouds
at or above 20kft will stream overhead at times.

&&

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotters are encouraged to report
any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating
procedures.

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Nickerson
AVIATION...Nickerson

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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office