600
FXUS65 KVEF 220737
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1237 AM PDT Wed Apr 22 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Winds will decrease today and quiet weather is anticipated through
  Friday.

* Another weather system arrives over the weekend, with the
  potential to bring precipitation, increased winds, and cooler
  temperatures.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Through Tuesday.

Yesterday`s peak wind gusts were between 40 and 50 mph for most
locations with stronger winds between 50 and 60 mph in the southern
Great Basin. Winds have decreased as the upper level low tracks
northeast and most of the wind headlines were allowed to expire.
However, high resolution models indicate persistent strong
downsloping winds with gusts between 45 and 60 mph in Red Rock
Canyon and the west side of the Las Vegas Valley through the early
morning hours, therefore a Wind Advisory remains in effect for these
areas through 5 AM PDT. Gusty westerly winds will also develop in
the western Mojave Desert near Barstow, the strongest of which
should occur in the late afternoon and evening with the help of
enhanced 850 mb winds. However, guidance is still borderline and the
probability of gusts reaching over 40 mph for an extended period of
time outside of high terrain is low, so no wind headlines have been
issued at this time. Once these winds subside overnight, conditions
through Friday will be calm and dry. Today`s highs will be around 10
degrees cooler compared to yesterday, but will increase between 5
and 10 degrees through Friday as modest ridging sets up over the
region. Highs on Friday will be within a few degrees of normal for
late April.

Another system is expected to reach the forecast area over the
weekend, followed by an unsettled pattern going into early next week.
Discrepancy remains between models regarding depth, speed, and
position of the initial low and following disturbances as they move
across the western United States. However, ensembles are showing a
more favorable moisture trajectory compared to previous runs and a
clearer signal for precipitation on Saturday night into Sunday.
Increased winds and cooler temperatures also appear likely with this
system. Stay tuned for further details.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Gusty
southwesterly winds will continue through the night with gusts of 20
to 25 knots expected. Breezy conditions will continue into Wednesday
afternoon with similar speeds expected. A shift to northwesterly
winds is anticipated Wednesday evening in the 03-06z timeframe,
though uncertainty remains on how strong the wind speeds will be
that accompany the wind shift.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Winds gradually subside
overnight but remain elevated. On Wednesday, west-southwest winds
increase again during the afternoon while northerly winds push
through the southern Great Basin. In terms of sky conditions, VFR
conditions persist with few to scattered mid-level and high clouds.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Meltzer
AVIATION...Woods

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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office