909
FXUS65 KVEF 161730
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1030 AM PDT Thu Apr 16 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Gusty southwest winds pick up across the region today, becoming
  north tonight and Friday.

* Ridging returns over the weekend before another weather system
  brings unsettled weather to the region next week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Today through Wednesday.

Gusty winds pick up across the region today as a closed area of low
pressure digs southward through the Great Basin. Pre-frontal winds
will favor the south-southwest with gust speeds generally between 30
and 40 mph, with stronger speeds in the higher terrain. The cold
front will push southward through the region as the day progresses,
with gusty north winds behind it, which will remain elevated tonight
into Friday morning with gust speeds generally between 35 and 45
mph. The strongest post-frontal winds will exist along the Colorado
River Valley late tonight / early Friday morning as topographic
enhancement will allow for north gusts to 50 mph, with isolated-to-
occasional gusts to 60 mph near Laughlin, Bullhead City, and
Katherine Landing (50-60% chance). Wind Advisories go into effect
this morning at 11 AM for the entire forecast area. Along with this
cold front will be a drop in temperatures between 10 and 14 degrees
from this afternoon to Friday afternoon. Precipitation will remain
mostly north of our forecast area, but there is a 15-25% chance of
light rain/snow in northern Lincoln County tonight.

Ridging returns to the region over the weekend, which will allow
temperatures to rebound back above seasonal normals. Another weather
system will drop down from the Gulf of Alaska and toward the western
coast early-to-mid week. There remain substantial uncertainties
regarding timing, strength, and location of this next system, but
gusty winds, chances of precipitation, and cooler temperatures
return.
&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Breezy
southwest winds will continue this afternoon with a few gusts 25-30
knots. Scattered to broken mid and high clouds will stream across
the region. A fast moving front will result in a northerly wind
shift beginning in the 06-07z timeframe. Winds will then persist
into the day on Friday, gradually decreasing by mid to late
afternoon and becoming more northeasterly. The strongest winds will
occur in the 08-15z timeframe, when gusts as high as 30-40 knots can
be expected. Clouds will generally clear from north to south in the
wake of the front and no precipitation is expected.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 18Z Forecast Package...For all terminals aside
from KBIH, expect west/southwest winds of 10-20 knots and gusts 20
to 30 knots ahead of a fast moving cold front. Winds will shift to
the northwest and north this evening into the overnight hours
becoming quite gusty in the wake of the front. Widespread wind gusts
of 30-40 knots are expected immediately behind the front. The
strongest winds will be confined to the Colorado River Vally,
including KIFP and KEED, where winds may briefly gust 40-50 knots
Friday morning into the afternoon hours. Across the Owens Valley
including KBIH, rather light winds this morning should eventually
give way to northwest/northerly winds 10-15 knots, gusting 30-35
knots. Mid and high level clouds will move ahead of and immediately
behind the front, with gradual clearing overnight. Other than the
gusty winds, VFR conditions are expected.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Soulat
AVIATION...Austin

For more forecast information...see us on our webpage:
https://weather.gov/lasvegas or follow us on Facebook and Twitter

NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office