The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued a forecast indicating that the Las Vegas area should expect a variety of weather conditions as we approach the weekend.
Beginning with a mix of mid and high clouds throughout the week, residents may expect dry conditions and a slow warming trend. However, as we approach the weekend, there is a greater likelihood of precipitation, with rain and mountain snow in the forecast, particularly across the Sierra.
According to the most recent National Weather Service bulletin, Friday night will see a shift in weather patterns, with winds becoming noticeably stronger over higher terrain. Rain and snow are forecast to fall in sections of Inyo and Esmeralda counties as well.
Meanwhile, the weekend promises to break the calm weather trend as the upper-level ridge collapses, allowing a deep low/trough from the NE Pacific to gradually travel southward and bring an atmospheric river into action.
According to the National Weather Service, this adjustment implies that by Saturday, precipitation will begin to fall in western Inyo and Esmeralda counties, but the vast bulk of the region is expected to remain dry, with less than a 20% probability of precipitation.
However, on Sunday, the picture changes as greater possibilities of rain expand east, with the entire area facing a 20-60% chance of precipitation by the afternoon.
While most valley regions have a less than 30% probability of receiving considerable rainfall, the potential for damage increases in the highlands. Above 7000 feet, the Sierra and White Mountains should expect 25-75% of modest winter impacts.
In terms of winds, the National Weather Service predicts 40-70% of gusts above 40 mph over particular regions this weekend. As a result, temperatures are expected to rise on Saturday, with highs reaching 2-8 degrees above normal before gradually falling to near or below-average values by Sunday and Tuesday.
In terms of aviation, the prediction for Harry Reid International Airport shows that mild diurnal wind patterns will persist throughout the day, with a shift to southwest winds after sunset.
Although some clouds at 20,000 feet are forecast during the afternoon, the skies are likely to clear by nightfall. Aviation personnel and travelers should prepare for greater wind gusts and precipitation from Saturday to Monday.
Similar light and diurnal wind patterns will prevail in areas outside of Las Vegas, including southeastern California and northwestern Arizona, through tomorrow, except for some breezy conditions forecast at Bishop Airport (KBIH) this afternoon.
Spotters and the general public should stay up to speed on weather conditions and report any substantial effects per established operating protocols.
Reference: Las Vegas Braces for Mixed Weather with Rain and Snow Predicted as Weekend Approaches