2 weeks Ago By Vanessa Garcia
Las Vegas is seeing cooler, wetter weather due to a passing system bringing scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas reports expect a range of weather-related impacts, including the potential for small hail and sudden gusty winds, as well as light to moderate snowfall above 5000 feet. Temperatures are slated to remain cold, about 15-20 degrees below normal today, with a gradual warming trend starting Thursday.
For the early birds, some precipitation developed and moved into parts of southern Inyo, eastern San Bernardino, and western Clark counties this morning. This was associated with a shortwave digging into east-central California, with moisture nudging closer to normal ahead of the wave. Today's forecast anticipates the precipitation to be more substantial and likely to reach the ground compared to yesterday's.
Snow levels will drop to the 4000-5000ft range this afternoon, and places like US-93 in Lincoln County and Fort Rock on I-40 through Mohave County could see up to an inch of accumulation, according to the National Weather Service in Las Vegas.Wind patterns are also changing, with gusts reported up to 25 MPH in certain areas earlier. Though these winds are expected to lessen throughout the day, isolated gusts up to 40 MPH are still possible, especially around Barstow and Yucca Valley.
Luckily, the strongest winds have ceased, leading to a calmer end to the day. "Quiet weather is expected overnight and Thursday morning," assures the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms are expected to diminish tonight, with showers lingering the longest in northeast Clark County into northern Lincoln County, with conditions becoming more settled by Thursday.
Looking at the long-term forecast, by the weekend skies will clear, and temperatures will start to rise above seasonal norms under a building ridge of high pressure. "Monday and Tuesday have a 60% and 90% chance, respectively, for reaching 80 degrees here in Las Vegas," the National Weather Service predicts. This suggests that residents should look forward to the return of familiar Las Vegas heat, but are advised to take necessary precautions as "Low" HeatRisk levels suggest chances of heat-related illness for the general population, though individuals who are unacclimated, consuming substances, or without proper hydration and cooling systems should stay vigilant.
In terms of aviation, the weather outlook is a mixed bag. Pilots can expect variable winds and sporadic visibility due to showers and possible thunderstorms. The National Weather Service advises, "Northwest winds were moving southward through the Valley early this morning, and should reach KLAS by 14Z or earlier.
" Ceilings will also lower, thickening with showers in the vicinity around 16Z. As always in varying weather conditions, spotter participation is key in verifying and reporting significant weather impacts..
