174
FXUS65 KVEF 080501
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
901 PM PST Sat Mar 7 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...


* Gusty winds continue across the region into this evening, with the
  strongest winds expected along the Lower Colorado River Valley and
  Mojave Desert.

* Ridging returns to the region Sunday onward, with above normal
  temperatures and mainly dry conditions expected.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Closed 500mb low off of Baja combined with a strong
surface high over the northern Great Basin has helped create an
enhanced surface pressure gradient over southern Nevada and
southeast California. This has led to another day of gusty north to
northeast winds across much of the area with most areas seeing wind
gusts between 35 and 45 mph. The strongest intermittent gusts up to
55 mph will be across the higher terrain as well as along the Lower
Colorado River Valley where terrain-influenced channeling will
produce stronger gusts to around 50 mph. Current wind advisories are
in place for much of the area until 10pm PST/11pm MST this evening
and no changes are needed. Surface gradients are expected to weaken
overnight helping to reduce wind speeds over most areas; however,
lingering northerly wind gusts are expected to remain in the Lower
Colorado River Valley through Sunday where gusts up to 35 mph will
be possible generally south of Lake Mohave.

The low off Baja will gradually start to push east Sunday and Monday
and is expected to tap into some moisture over the Gulf of
California and pull it northward into Arizona. The models indicate
PWs about 150-200% of normal will filter into southern Mohave County
Monday afternoon along with some weak instability. A stray shower or
two can`t be ruled out for areas generally south of I-40, but it
looks like the main impact will be increased cloud cover.

Beyond Monday, high pressure will start building over the region and
bring a rather significant warming trend through the end of the week
with temperatures returning to the mid-70s and 80s for most
locations by midweek, around 10 to 15 degrees above normal. A Level
1 (Minor) HeatRisk will gradually expand across lower elevations of
the Mojave Desert through the end of the week. There is a 50% chance
of 90 degrees in Las Vegas on Friday and that number jumps to 80% on
Saturday. As a reminder, the average first 90 degree day is April
15th). So stay tuned, and if you have outdoor plans next week, plan
ahead to ensure you stay as cool and hydrated as possible.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Winds
have weakened and should remain light through the rest of the TAF
period. Brief periods of 10-12 knots are possible (25% chance), but
winds will largely be below 10 knots and follow typical, daily
patterns. Mostly clear skies with just a few high clouds.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Light breezes across
most of the region tonight and Sunday with speeds around 10 knots or
less. The exception is the lower Colorado River Valley where
northerly gusts of 20-35 knots are likely (80%), particularly from
KIFP to KEED. Winds here will weaken late Sunday afternoon and
evening. Mostly clear skies with just a few high clouds.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Gorelow
Aviation...Woods

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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office