448
FXUS65 KVEF 250541
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
941 PM PST Sat Jan 24 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Gusty northerly winds continue today in the wake of a cold
  front, with showers lingering along/south of I-10 this
  afternoon, and below normal temperatures expected Sunday.

* Ridging returns to the region next week, yielding a return to
  above normal temperatures and dry conditions.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

Per latest satellite imagery this afternoon, cloud cover is
gradually eroding from north to south as the system responsible
for the showery conditions across southern portions of the area
continues its eastward trek into northern Mexico. This shortwave
is progged to phase with a second trough to the east of the
region, then continue eastward, contributing to the significant
winter storm east of the Rockies. Locally, showers linger across
portions of eastern San Bernardino County and Mohave County this
afternoon along a southward moving cold front, and per radar
trends and high-resolution guidance, this activity is expected to
continue drifting south and east, clearing the region by early
evening. In its wake, gusty north winds will continue into this
evening, with localized intermittent gusts to 30-40 mph expected.
While most locations will see gusts diminish after sunset, terrain
enhancement will maintain gusty north winds overnight along the
Lower Colorado River Valley, particularly from Laughlin to Lake
Havasu City, where choppy waves of 1-3 feet are expected on area
lakes through tonight. Otherwise, given the passing disturbance
and cold front, temperatures today will top out near normal, with
lingering cold advection in its wake yielding highs 1-3 degrees
below normal on Sunday, which will be the coolest day of the
forecast.

Heading into next week, as the aforementioned disturbance moves
east, ensembles and cluster analyses are in good agreement that
ridging will re-establish itself over the western CONUS.
Increasing heights will yield a warming trend and a return to
above normal temperatures by midweek, with dry conditions and
light breezes the rule for most. The exception will be across
portions of the Lower Colorado River Valley, where passing
shortwaves in the flow aloft will result in intermittent gusty
conditions throughout the week. Overall, it looks to be a fairly
quiet end to the month of January.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Winds
will generally be north to northeast through midnight with speeds
less than 10kts. The biggest question will be if gusty northwest
winds develop after 09z Saturday morning. The probabilities remain
around 50 to 60 percent, but there is the possibility that the
northwest winds do not push all the way to Harry Reid and mainly
affect KVGT. If they do not occur, winds will generally remain north
to northeast around 7-9kts. After sunrise, winds will follow more
typical patterns with northeast afternoon winds around 8kts. Mid and
high clouds will start to move into the area late Sunday morning,
including BKN high clouds in the evening.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 06Z Forecast Package...North to northeast winds
over most areas overnight with speeds around 8 to 16kts. Stronger
winds are expected down the Colorado River Valley where KEED and
KIFP will see gusts around 30kts. Some higher gusts possible near
KIFP Sunday morning. By afternoon, winds will remain north to
northeast, but will diminish across much of the region with speeds
generally less than 10kts. Mid and high clouds will start to move
into the area starting late morning, increasing in coverage through
the afternoon and evening.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Phillipson
AVIATION...Gorelow

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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office