930
FXUS65 KVEF 171044
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
344 AM PDT Fri Apr 17 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Gusty north winds expected across the region, with dangerous
  boating conditions on area lakes.

* Warm, quiet weather expected over the weekend into the start of
  the work week before another weather system brings unsettled
  weather to the region midweek.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Today through Thursday.

Gusty north winds will continue to sweep southward across the
forecast area as a cold front pushes through the Desert Southwest.
Speeds will be greatest immediately following the frontal passage,
then gradually decreasing thereafter. As of 2:30 AM PDT, the front
has pushed through the Las Vegas Valley and is nearly out of
southern Nevada, approaching the Colorado River Valley. Peak wind
gusts so far include 72 mph at Tikaboo Peak, 58 mph at Desert Rock
Airport, 56 mph at Harry Reid Airport, and 55 mph at North Las Vegas
Airport. Winds will be strongest in the higher terrain as well as
along north-south oriented valleys, such as the Colorado River
Valley. As a result, expect very dangerous boating conditions, with
wave heights between 2 and 4 feet on Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and
Lake Havasu. The Wind Advisory will continue for the southern Great
Basin until 5 AM... for the Mojave Desert until 11 AM... and for the
lower Colorado River Valley until 5 PM. Due to a reconfiguration of
our local forecast zones, we are now able to expire the Wind
Advisory for Lake Mead at 11 AM ahead of the Lake Mohave 5 PM.
Otherwise, no changes made to the existing headlines. Expect a drop
in temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees this afternoon compared to
yesterday afternoon.

A ridge of high pressure returns to the region over the weekend into
the start of the next work week, which will allow temperatures to
climb back above-normal. Thereafter, ensemble model data indicates
the approach of a closed low digging down from the Gulf of Alaska
and eventually pushing into the Desert Southwest. This system
continues to slow down with each model run. As a result, the weekend
ridge stays in place a bit longer, allowing temperatures to peak at
near 10 degrees above-normal on Monday. Midweek, gusty winds,
chances of precipitation, and cooler temperatures return as the
closed low moves inland. Will continue to work out the details
regarding strength, position, and timing as we move through the
weekend.
&&


.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 06Z Forecast Package...An
incoming front will cause a wind shift to the north northwest
around 06Z. Winds will intensify through the night, with gusts as
high as 40 knots possible. Northerly winds will gradually decrease
on Friday morning and afternoon, falling to less than 10 knots
after sunset on Friday evening. Mid and high clouds will clear out
behind the front and no precipitation is expected.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 06Z Forecast Package...An incoming front will
cause a wind shift from the southwest to the north overnight,
reaching the Las Vegas Valley around 06Z, the Colorado River Valley
between 08Z and 10Z, and KDAG between 09Z and 11Z. Widespread gusts
between 30 and 40 knots are expected behind the front. A few gusts
may approach 50 knots in the Colorado River Valley near KIFP in the
morning and early afternoon. Winds will remain gusty out of the
north through Friday, but gradually decrease in intensity in the
afternoon and evening. While winds should fall to less than 10 knots
at most locations by Friday evening, gusty northerly winds between
25 and 35 knots will persist in the Colorado River Valley through
Friday night. Mid and high clouds will clear out behind the front.
&&


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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Soulat
AVIATION...Meltzer

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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office