14 hours Ago By Christopher Kim
Las Vegas residents and visitors should brace for a medley of weather changes as we step into the weekend. According to the National Weather Service Las Vegas NV, increasing clouds today are a precursor to a smattering of rain activity in the Sierra and Southern Great Basin by this afternoon. The Las Vegas area may see some isolated rain spreading into the Mojave Desert come Thursday, with persistent warm temperatures until a shift over the weekend introduces gustier conditions and a cooler feel come Sunday and Monday.
reported the NWS.In the shorter term, today through Thursday, the forecast suggests "considerable mid and high clouds" which are already forming across central and northern Nevada. This indicates an atmospheric trough heading south, bringing with it afternoon showers and the potential for isolated thunderstorms.
However, the dry subcloud layer should keep true rainfall at bay in more arid regions, yet "sprinkles and virga induced gusty winds" are still on the table. Those looking skywards in southern Nevada and the Mojave Desert can expect the best show, though, as per the NWS update.In terms of temperatures, the NWS anticipates highs to sit a few degrees above normal for the season into Thursday, hinting at a stretch of warm weather before the weekend's cooler turn.
As for the long-term outlook, Friday might notch up as the warmest day for many before gusts upwards of 40 mph blow through on Saturday, thanks to a substantial trough reaching the West Coast. This incoming weather pattern promises a noticeable dip in temperatures, with chances of rain peaking on Sunday, especially in the southern Great Basin.Aviation-wise, pilots and travelers can expect "light winds following typical wind patterns" around Harry Reid International Airport until southwest gusts hit, reaching up to 20 knots later today.
The weather mood swings will also bring lower ceilings, with the possibility of clouds descending to around 10,000 ft tonight. While the surrounding highland areas may witness showers or even a thunderstorm on Thursday, according to the NWS forecast..
