5 days Ago By Anthony Jackson
As the wind advisory in Las Vegas upgrades to a high wind warning, residents and visitors are bracing for gusts that could reach up to 70 mph in areas including the eastern Sierra slopes and Owens Valley. "Due to the potential of seeing these stronger wind gusts, have elected to upgrade the Wind Advisory to a High Wind Warning for the eastern Sierra slopes and the Owens Valley which will run from 11am this morning until 11pm this evening," reports the National Weather Service Las Vegas NV. This significant increase in winds, bolstered by an incoming Pacific trough, prompts concerns over potential property damage and travel disruptions.
In addition to the vigorous conditions expected over the eastern Sierra slopes and Owens Valley, the Mojave Desert and southern Clark County are also anticipated to face wind gusts over 40 mph. The National Weather Service suggests vigilant measures for the northern half of San Bernardino County along with the Spring Mountains and southern Clark County, issuing advisories active from 11 am until 4 am Friday. Gusty winds are projected to persist in these regions, potentially extending the duration of the wind advisories through Friday.
Temperatures across the valley are also on a downward trend, with today's readings expected to be 3 to 5 degrees cooler than Wednesday, gradually dropping to more seasonally appropriate levels by Friday. While the Las Vegas Valley is slated for some relief from the heightened temperatures of days past, the surrounding mountain areas and deserts are not quite so fortunate. The winds are slow to relinquish their hold, especially in the Western Mojave Desert, where they are expected to continue without significant respite over the weekend.
Concerning aviation in the region, the challenges are impending. For Harry Reid International Airport, "southwesterly winds will continue to increase this morning and peak in the afternoon and early evening, with gusts of 30 to 35 knots likely," according to the National Weather Service advisory. Pilots are urged to exercise caution as these conditions, paired with moderate to severe mechanical turbulence, are not to be taken lightly.
While the sky remains mostly clear, only the highest peaks are at risk of obscuration, with clouds positioned at or above 10K feet MSL.The National Weather Service's weather discussion and advisories serve as a critical heads-up for those in the affected areas, including spotters who are encouraged to report any significant impacts as they develop. As the wind advisory escalates in response to the emerging patterns, it becomes clear that even the air in Las Vegas cannot resist the forces of nature's constant change and motion.
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