226
FXUS65 KVEF 181758
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1058 AM PDT Thu Jun 18 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* An incoming system will bring a gradual decrease in temperatures
  through the weekend and breezy winds on Friday.

* Temperatures increase once again next week as high pressure
  builds over the region.

&&

.DISCUSSION...through Wednesday.

Today`s temperatures remain 5 to 10 degrees above normal for mid-
June. For Las Vegas, this means highs in the mid to upper 100s.
Temperatures should gradually decline to near normal values by this
weekend as an incoming shortwave pushes high pressure east and
heights aloft fall. Along with cooling temperatures, the shortwave
will bring breezy southerly to southwesterly winds to the area on
Friday. The strongest wind gusts should generally be in the 25 to 35
mph range, but a few gusts up to 40 mph cannot be ruled out in
western San Bernardino County. Increased winds combined with low
afternoon RH and dry fuels bring elevated fire weather conditions to
much of the area - see the FIRE WEATHER section below for more
details. A weaker secondary shortwave will help maintain breezy
conditions and near normal temperatures on Saturday.

Another ridge of high pressure builds over the southwestern United
States again next week. Afternoon high temperatures become 5 to 10
degrees above normal by Wednesday and Major (Level 3 of 4) Heat Risk
returns to valleys across the Mojave Desert. This level of heat will
affect anyone without sufficient cooling or hydration, especially
those spending time outdoors. Las Vegas has a 50 percent chance of
reaching 110 degrees on Wednesday afternoon.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 18Z Forecast Package...
Southerly to southwesterly winds around 10KT will continue into the
early afternoon before increasing out of the south 12 to 15 knots
with intermittent gusts of 20 to 25 knots from mid-afternoon through
sunset, with wind directions varying between 160 and 190 degrees
true. Winds will then shift to the southwest after sunset, although
speeds are expected to remain between 10 to 13 knots through much of
the night. Wildfire smoke from fires north of the Las Vegas Valley
will mainly impact the Mormon Mesa corridor through the period, but
reduced visibility near the terminal is not expected. Otherwise, VFR
conditions will prevail through the TAF period. Temperatures will
exceed 100F through 04Z, peaking near 107F around 00Z.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 18Z Forecast Package... South to southwest
winds will occur over much of the region today with speeds generally
10 to 15 knots with gusts 20 to 25 knots. The exception today will
be KDAG where easterly winds around 8 knots are expected this
afternoon, returning to the west around 00Z with gusts 20 to 25
knots. Wildfires in Lincoln County will help produce lofted smoke
which may impact portions of the southern Great Basin through the
afternoon, otherwise FEW-SCT clouds between 14-15kft.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...Winds increase out of the south to southwest on
Friday as a shortwave moves into the western United States.
Sustained winds between 20 and 25 mph along with gusts upwards of
35 mph develop by the late morning, lasting into the evening.
These winds combined with minimum humidity in the 5 to 15 percent
range and dry fuels create Elevated fire weather conditions across
southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona and a Fire Weather Watch
has been issued.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Meltzer
AVIATION...Gorelow

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