939
FXUS65 KVEF 200750
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1250 AM PDT Mon Apr 20 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Widespread strong winds expected tomorrow, with cooler and
  breezy conditions to follow on Wednesday.

* Temperatures will return to near normal the remainder of the
  week with slight cooling possible over the weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...through next weekend.

Temperatures today will be slightly warmer than yesterday with dry
and mild conditions hanging on for one more day. Southerly winds
will begin to pick up in the Owens Valley and across the southern
Great Basin today out ahead of the incoming weather system poised to
impact the region on Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures will
decrease and winds will pick up across the region on Tuesday as a
deep cut-off low and associated 50 knot, 700 mb jet begins to
push into the region. Widespread 40+ mph southerly-to-
southwesterly wind gusts are expected across our forecast area on
Tuesday with the potential for 50 to 60 mph wind gusts in
Esmeralda and Central Nye Counties. Increased precipitation
chances will also accompany this system with light rain showers
expected across the southern Great Basin Tuesday into Wednesday.
Light snow accumulations are expected above 8,000 feet in the
Eastern Sierra Slopes, with 2 to 4 inches possible at Aspendell
(elevation 8,400 feet). Breezes will linger across the Mojave
Desert into northwestern Arizona on Wednesday, with showers
exiting the region Wednesday morning.

Temperatures will bottom out in the wake of this system on Wednesday
with afternoon high temperatures topping out 3 to 7 degrees below
normal. Beyond Wednesday, temperatures will gradually climb back up
to near normal as troughiness lingers across the Southwest. Beyond
Friday, guidance begins to diverge as a weak trough off the coast of
southern california may begin to influence the region, with some
modest cooling possible.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Winds
will remain generally southwest under 7 knots through the overnight
period before becoming light and variable between 10Z and 17Z. After
17Z, southeast winds (130 to 150 degrees) are expected to develop,
with occasional gusts to around 18 knots. However, guidance
continues to indicate winds will shift to more of a southerly
direction after 22Z with gusts increasing to 22 to 25 knots.
Overall, confidence remains low-moderate in the overall timing and
direction as winds may remain southeast or shift to the south
earlier than expected. VFR conditions will prevail through Monday
evening, with increasing mid-level and high clouds and bases
remaining at or above 15kft AGL.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Winds will generally
remain around 5 to 10 knots, following typical directional patterns
with some variability overnight. Southeast to south winds will
develop after 18Z Monday, with occasional gusts to around 20 knots
through the early evening. The exception will be in the Owens
Valley/KBIH, where gusty up-valley winds of 30 to 40 knots will
develop during the afternoon. Winds will diminish after sunset
Monday, although speeds will remain elevated (10 to 15 knots) in
most areas through the evening. VFR conditions will prevail, with
increasing mid-level and high clouds and bases remaining at or above
15kft AGL.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Stessman
AVIATION...Gorelow

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