Sunrise 5:45 AM   Sunset 8:04 PM Moonrise 4:32 PM   Moonset 3:33 AM

  Print   HELP   Reset   Save   Recall  New

FXUS65 KVEF 191913 AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Las Vegas NV 1213 PM PDT Sun May 19 2024

SYNOPSIS
Gusty southwesterly winds continue through Monday, with the strongest winds in southeastern California. Isolated showers and thunderstorms may develop each afternoon through Monday in Lincoln County. Temperatures will decrease as an upper level trough moves into the area leading to near normal temperatures by Monday.

SHORT TERM
through Tuesday.

A broad upper level trough will be in place over the western United States over the next few days. The main impact from this pattern will be increased southwesterly winds today and tomorrow due to the development of a low level jet and tightening surface pressure gradients. Peak gusts should be in the 20 to 30 mph range for most locations. However, gusts in excess of 40 mph may develop for a short time along high terrain this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, especially in southeastern California. Short periods of downslope winds with gusts over 40 mph are also in the realm of possibility east of the Spring Mountains and Sierra. Because of the limited spatial and temporal extent of advisory-level winds and their overall borderline nature, will not be issuing any wind related headlines with this forecast package. That being said, remain cautious if driving a lightweight or high profile vehicle on area highways, including Interstate 15 and Interstate 40. Winds should be weaker on Tuesday as the pressure gradient decreases.

Lingering moisture and instability associated with the trough also brings continued chances for isolated showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, mainly over Lincoln County or high terrain in Clark County. Rainfall totals from any storms that form should be light. Atmospheric moisture decreases tomorrow night and precipitation is not expected on Tuesday. Temperatures continue their downward trend with highs near to below normal on tomorrow and Tuesday.

LONG TERM
Wednesday through Saturday

Another system digging south down the British Columbia coast will reestablish the longwave trough across the west heading into the Memorial Day Weekend. Both the GEFS and EPS maintain H5 heights below normal through at least Saturday. Temperatures will be at or below normal during the period. Should be windy at times with gusts 30 to 40 mph at times across the western Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County and the southern Sierra. Elsewhere, it will be breezy with gusts in the 20 to 30 mph range. For the time being, any precipitation chances stay across central Nevada but may sag as far south as the panhandle of Lincoln County Saturday.

AVIATION
For Harry Reid...After a brief period of light southeast winds in the late morning and early afternoon, south to southwest winds with gusts 20 to 25 knots are expected this afternoon. Gusts should continue well into the night, gradually subsiding toward early Monday morning. Gusty southwest winds should kick back up again around midday Monday. Turbulence can be expected as the strong winds pass over the mountainous terrain. No operationally significant clouds or weather expected.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast California...Winds will be generally west to southwest over most of the region this afternoon, with the strongest gusts of 30 to 35 knots in the Barstow area. There could also be brief downslope winds and rotors on the east side of mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada and the Spring Mountains on the west side of Las Vegas. Gusts will end around sunset except in the Barstow area. On Monday, gusty west to southwest winds will pick up again over most of the Mojave Desert, while the southern Great Basin sees northwest to north winds. The strongest afternoon gusts of 30 to 35 knots should occur in a swath from Barstow through Searchlight to Colorado City. There will be a very small chance for showers and thunderstorms this afternoon in areas from the Sierra crest eastward to the panhandle of Lincoln County, but much less coverage is expected today than what occurred Saturday afternoon.

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

Full Color Weather Map

Link to Loop


Other links: GEOS-West     Contential US     Full GOES-East

San Joaquin Valley, CA,