618
FXUS65 KVEF 052050
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1250 PM PST Thu Mar 5 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Strong gusty winds spread across the region tonight through
  Saturday, with a relative lull on Friday. Widespread Wind
  Advisories in effect.

* Calmer conditions and a warming trend return Sunday onward.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Today through Wednesday.

Gusty northwesterly postfrontal winds will persist through the rest
of today. The highest wind gusts so far have been between 35 and 45
mph with stronger a few stronger gusts over 50 mph along high
terrain. Winds will somewhat decrease tomorrow as the system tracks
east, but still expect gusts between 30 and 40 mph for most
locations. Another shortwave will dive south through the region on
Saturday, eventually closing off over Arizona. The north to south
pressure gradient created by this setup along with a 70 knot 500 mb
jet aloft will allow for another increase in gusty northerly winds.
These winds should be stronger compared to today, with peak gusts
between 45 and 55 mph in the valleys and upwards of 60 mph on high
terrain. Wind Advisories are now in effect for all of southern
Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and southeastern California through
Saturday evening. Elevated northerly winds will likely persist
through Sunday along the Colorado River Valley, but intensity will
depend on how fast the shortwave exits and the pressure gradient
weakens.

Ridging over the eastern Pacific Ocean brings warming temperatures,
calmer winds, and dry northwesterly flow to the southwestern United
States. Temperatures climb 10 to 15 degrees between Saturday and
Wednesday, at which point highs will be around 10 degrees above
normal for this time of year. For Las Vegas, this means highs in the
low 80s.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Gusty
northwest winds in excess of 30 knots continue through the
afternoon. Winds should decrease in the evening, but there is still
a 70 percent probability that sustained wind speeds will remain
above 10 knots through the night. Winds strengthen again tomorrow
morning after sunrise, with peak gusts between 25 and 30 knots. FEW
to SCT clouds with bases at or above 10kft decrease this evening and
overnight.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Gusty northerly winds
persist throughout the day across the area with peak gusts between
30 and 40 knots. Winds should decrease after sunset, but speeds
remain above 10 knots for most locations. Northerly to northwesterly
winds will increase again after sunrise, gusting between 25 and 30
knots. FEW to SCT mid and high clouds decrease this evening.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION/AVIATION...Meltzer


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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office