textproduct: Las Vegas

KEY MESSAGES

* Strong upper ridging will build into the Western U.S. into early next. This will result in a rapid increase in temperatures, especially this weekend into next week.

DISCUSSION

Shortwave trough that brought some unsettled weather and cooler temperatures to the region has shifted east as high pressure begins to build in from the west. There is still one piece of energy trailing this exiting shortwave located over the Rocky Mountain states that will bring some enhanced northerly winds to portions of northern Mohave, Lincoln, and northeast Clark counties this afternoon and evening, but overall winds will be trending lighter across the area.

High pressure will build over the region into next week with rapidly rising temperatures and dry conditions. Highs today will generally be about 10 degrees warmer than Tuesday with temperatures increasing through the weekend before likely peaking Monday and Tuesday with temperatures some 10-20 degrees above normal for mid-May. In fact, many areas may see their first triple- digit temperatures this year as we enter the workweek with Las Vegas sitting at a 40% chance on Sunday, rising to 90% by Monday and Tuesday. Moderate to Major Heat Risk also looks to increase in coverage, especially across Death Valley and the Colorado River Valley. As confidence increases we may need Extreme Heat Watches and/or Warnings.

AVIATION...For Harry Reid

For the 12Z Forecast Package...For most of the time today and tonight, winds will follow typical directional patterns and remain under 8KT. The exception is this evening between 03Z-06Z when there is a low chance for northeast winds to 10KT to push into the valley. If this did occur, winds would switch back to the typical light southwest by 09Z. VFR clouds this morning over 15kft will clear with mostly clear skies expected through the period.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast California...For the 12Z Forecast Package...Typical wind patterns below 10KT are generally expected across the region today and tonight. KBIH into the Owens Valley will see north winds around 10KT occasionally gusting 15-20KT this afternoon which will wane after sunset. Low chance for a push of west wind at KBIH this evening around 00Z, but by 03Z typical north to northwest winds below 10KT will return. Skies will be mostly clear through the period.

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT

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