High Wind in California, April 7, 2018

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
300 PM PDT Sat Apr 7 2018

.SYNOPSIS...The area of low pressure that brought the gusty winds
to the region will move east overnight leaving dry and slightly
cooler conditions for Sunday. Gusty winds are still possible down
the Colorado River Valley Sunday morning before diminishing in the
afternoon. Periods of gusty winds are expected through the week,
with another strong system expected Wednesday/Thursday.
&&

.SHORT TERM...through Monday night.

Shortwave trough moving through the region has brought gusty winds
to the region, especially across western San Bernardino County where
winds have gusted over 50 mph. There have been a few wind gusts over
40 mph in the Las Vegas Valley so far, but it looks like the peak
time for strongest winds will occur between 4 to 7 PM. Radar showing
a line of showers developing from southern Inyo through southern Nye
and into Lincoln Counties. Most of these showers are pretty light,
but there is enough instability to generate a few thunderstorms
across mainly Lincoln County, but they are also possible over
northern Clark and eastern Nye into this evening. Main impacts from
any storms will be strong gusty winds.

A cold front will gradually move through the region overnight with
some gusty northwest winds behind the front. Strongest winds will be
located mainly across Esmeralda and central Nye Counties where some
gusts upwards of 40 mph will be possible.

As this shortwave exits the area, winds will decrease and slightly
cooler air will work into the region. Gusty winds will still remain
down the Colorado River Valley into Sunday morning, but it looks
like they will remain below advisory levels and will decrease by
afternoon. Temperatures are expected to drop about 5-7 degrees.

Much drier and slightly warmer conditions are on tap for Monday with
temperatures rebounding about 3-6 degrees across the region.

.LONG TERM...Tuesday through Saturday.

By Tuesday, ridging overhead will begin to slide eastward as a
fairly weak, fast-moving wave moves through the region. Impacts from
this system have continued to trend downward and should be limited
to breezy south-southwest winds and passing high clouds. Another
more robust system comes into play WED-FRI. This system looks pretty
impressive and has been trending stronger over the last few model
runs. That being said, both the GFS and ECMWF are vastly different
with the timing and evolution of this shortwave by Thursday
afternoon. Though, these models have been consistent on bringing
strong winds (at least advisory level) and much cooler temperatures
to the area. Most notably, MOS guidance has sustained winds of 37-47
kts for LAS late WED-early THU. Limited moisture with this system
should keep slight precipitation chances mainly limited to the
northern half of our CWA. Behind the potent cold front associated
with this system, expect gusty north winds and a 15-20 degree drop
in temperatures from WED.
&&

.AVIATION...For McCarran...Southwest winds will continue late this
afternoon with gusts 35-45 KTS at times. A shower or thunderstorm
cannot be ruled out this afternoon over the mountains surrounding
the valley. Winds will slack some after sunset but will continue to
gust to around 30kts through around midnight. Winds will turn more
north by Monday morning and could be breezy, but only to about
20kts. Diurnal winds should return by monday afternoon with lighter
winds.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...Southwest winds will continue through the afternoon,
with gusts generally between 30-45 KTS. Rain and high elevation snow
should be done in the Sierra, but isolated showers/thunderstorms are
still possible across southeast Nevada and northwest Arizona. A cold
front will push across the region this evening, with periods of
breezy north winds in its wake. Winds will favor diurnal trends or a
northerly direction on Monday.
&&

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

SHORT TERM............Gorelow
LONG TERM.............Kryston
AVIATION..............Wolf

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