FXUS65 KVEF 151029 AFDVEF Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Las Vegas NV 329 AM PDT Wed Apr 15 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... * Another day of quiet weather before gusty southwesterly winds pick up across the region on Thursday, becoming northerly on Friday. * Ridging returns over the weekend before another weather system brings unsettled weather to the region next week. && .DISCUSSION...Today through Tuesday. Increasing heights over the region will allow temperatures to peak this afternoon a few degrees above seasonal normals under mostly sunny skies. On Thursday, gusty winds pick up across the region 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 on Thursday, with gusty north winds behind it, which will remain elevated Thursday night into Friday morning with gust speeds generally between 35 and 45 mph. The strongest post-frontal winds will exist along the Colorado River Valley on Friday 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). As a result, Wind Advisories have been hoisted for the region Thursday into Friday. Will continue to assess this system as it approaches to determine if there is a need to upgrade the Colorado River Valley Wind Advisory to a High Wind Warning. At the moment, gusts in excess of 58 mph are expected to be very isolated in space and time. Along with this cold front will be a drop in temperatures between 10 and 12 degrees from Thursday to Friday. Precipitation chances in Lincoln County have decreased substantially, but cannot rule out light rain/snow Thursday night (15-25%). Ridging returns to the region over the weekend, which will allow temperatures to rebound back toward seasonal normals. However, this will be brief, as another weather system drops down from the Gulf of Alaska and toward the western coast. 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 12Z Forecast Package... Light winds will persist through the morning. A period of southeast winds may develop later this morning, but speeds will remain under 8KT. By 21Z, winds will transition southwest and increase, with gusts to around 20KT expected through the afternoon. Gusts will drop around sunset, but elevated south winds at 8-10KT will continue through the night. On Thursday, gusty southwest winds are expected to start in the morning with gusts 20-25KT, then continue to increase to around 30KT in the afternoon. For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast California...For the 12Z Forecast Package...Light winds will continue through the early morning before west to southwest winds increase in the late morning and afternoon. Widespread gusts of 15- 25KT are expected, including at KBIH where a west push of winds is likely between 23Z and 03Z. Winds will diminish after sunset except around KDAG where west winds at 10-15KT will continue through the night. Occasional high clouds are possible at times but VFR conditions are expected through the period. && .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating procedures. && $$ DISCUSSION...Soulat AVIATION...Nickerson For more forecast information...see us on our webpage: https://weather.gov/lasvegas or follow us on Facebook and Twitter