862
FXUS65 KVEF 171109
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
409 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 and Las Vegas Valley 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 12Z Forecast Package...Winds
will favor a northerly direction through the TAF period. 30 to 40
knot northerly winds will continue through sunrise before winds
begin to gradually decrease as they become more northeasterly.
Wind gusts will drop off later this evening with winds shifting
back to a more northwesterly direction for the overnight hours.
VFR conditions will persist through the TAF period with FEW high
clouds moving into southern Nevada later this evening.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 12Z Forecast Package...With the exception of
the western Mojave Deserts, winds across the region will favor a
more northerly direction through the TAF period. Winds in the
western Mojave Desert will gradually become more easterly
throughout the day. Widespread 20 to 35 knot wind gusts will
continue through the afternoon, gradually decreasing throughout
the day. The exception to this will be the Colorado River Valley
where 40 to 50 knot northerly wind gusts will continue through the
morning hours, dropping into the 30 to 40 mph range during the
afternoon. VFR conditions will persist through the TAF period with
FEW high clouds pushing into the area later this evening.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Soulat
AVIATION...Stessman

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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office