549
FXUS65 KVEF 250509
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1009 PM PDT Fri Apr 24 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Increased precipitation chances, elevated winds, and cooler
  temperatures will return to the region over the weekend.

* Forecast confidence decreases as we head into next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...through next Thursday.

Dry conditions and warmer than normal temperatures are on tap for
southern Nevada, southeastern California, and northwestern Arizona
today. Breezy southerly to southwesterly winds will pick up this
afternoon out head of the low pressure system that will bring
unsettled weather to the region over the weekend. Gusty westerly
winds will pick up across the western Mojave Deserts tomorrow as
this low pressure system begins to move into the area with gusty
southwesterly winds picking up in the Morongo Basin. As such, a Wind
Advisory is in effect for these area from 2 PM Saturday through 11
AM on Sunday with wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph. Elsewhere, winds
won`t be as strong, but will still be strong enough to blow over
trashcans and lightweight outdoor furniture/decor. Additionally,
these winds will result in choppy waves on area lakes, making for
difficult boating conditions for small craft. In addition to
elevated winds, this system will also bring increased precipitation
chance to the region Saturday night into Sunday. The best chances
are still located in the southern Great Basin and Inyo County a 60
to 80% chance of precipitation. Chances decrease further to the
south, including a 25 to 50 percent chance of light showers in the
Las Vegas Valley on Saturday night. A dusting of snow is also
possible above 7000 feet in the Sierra, White Mountains, and
mountains around southern Nevada as cooler air moves in with the
system.

Forecast confidence decreases early next week once the initial low
pressure system moves out. Another low lurks in the eastern Pacific
Ocean, but models disagree in its strength, position, and how fast
it will move inland. In the meantime, rising heights aloft should
bring warming temperatures during the first half of the workweek.
Highs should be within a few degrees of normal for late April by the
middle of the week. For Las Vegas, this means highs in the low to
mid 80s.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 06Z Forecast Package...
Southwest winds continue through the TAF period, strongest Saturday
afternoon and night with gusts 20-30 knots likely (70%). Mid-level
clouds will increase throughout the day and gradually lower to
around 8-10kft by the evening when shower chances arrive. Vicinity
showers appear likely over the terrain, but rain chances at the
terminal are around 20%. These vicinity showers/virga may induce
erratic wind behavior if close enough to the airport.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Light breezes tonight
and Saturday morning give way to gusty southerly to westerly winds
Saturday afternoon. Widespread gusts of 20-35 knots are likely (70%)
across the Mojave Desert, with lighter breezes farther northwest.
These winds continue into the nighttime hours as a system moves in,
also bringing precipitation chances. Best odds are in the southern
Great Basin during the afternoon and overnight hours, with more
isolated activity across southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona.
Where precipitation is most widespread and long-lived, CIGs may drop
to 4-6kft. Elsewhere, expecting any CIGs to be 8-12kft.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Stessman
AVIATION...Woods

For more forecast information...see us on our webpage:
https://weather.gov/lasvegas or follow us on Facebook and Twitter

NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office