High Wind in Arizona, June 26, 2026

Area Forecast Discussion...CORRECTED
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
111 PM PDT Fri Jun 26 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Gusty winds and critical fire weather conditions will continue
  this afternoon and Saturday, with much cooler temperatures by
  Sunday.

* Lighter winds and gradually warming temperatures are expected next
  week, though the warming trend will be slow, with temperatures
  returning to near normal by Thursday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Today through Thursday...

A deepening trough of low pressure approaching the Pacific Northwest
will move into and deepen over the Great Basin this weekend. No
precipitation is expected, but there will be a marked increase in
southerly winds this afternoon and Saturday. The strongest winds
this afternoon are expected across the western Mojave Desert and
along the east side of the Sierra, where gusts of 35 to 45 mph are
expected. Conditions are also favorable for localized downslope
effects off the Sierra, and a few gusts of 50 to 55 mph are possible
in favored areas along US 395. Gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be common
across southern Nevada and northwest Arizona this afternoon. A lull
in the winds is expected overnight before gusty winds resume
Saturday. Gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be common area wide.  Besides
the crosswind impacts listed above, localized blowing dust and
dangerous boating conditions on area lakes are also expected.  The
strong winds, coupled with low relative humidity values, will also
result in critical to locally extreme fire weather conditions. See
the Fire Weather discussion below for more details.

From Monday onward, lighter winds are expected as the trough slowly
moves east and a ridge of high pressure builds into the region.
Temperatures will slowly rebound through the week, but readings will
likely remain below normal through midweek, increasing only a few
degrees each day.  Long-range ensemble and cluster guidance are in
good agreement that high pressure will build over the Four Corners
region by the July 4th holiday weekend, allowing temperatures to
warm to above normal levels, albeit by only a few degrees. Moisture
levels will remain low, resulting in minimal precipitation chances.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Gusty
south-southwest winds continue throughout the TAF period, strongest
during the afternoon and evening hours with gusts 30-40 knots. Winds
weaken slightly overnight with gusts becoming more sporadic, but
breezes likely to remain elevated before increasing again Saturday
afternoon. Few to scattered high clouds. Temps at or above 100F from
21z - 01z.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Gusty southerly to
westerly winds across the region today, strongest in the afternoon
and evening hours. Widespread gusts of 25-40 knots likely (70%) with
moderate to severe turbulence downstream of the higher terrain.
Patchy blowing dust possible in spots. Winds weaken overnight but
remain elevated. Few to scattered mid-level and high clouds.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...Relative humidity values across the region will fall
to around 5 to 15 percent this afternoon as any remnant mid-level
moisture is scoured out and southerly to southwesterly surface winds
continue to dry fuels. Winds at 20ft will gust to 35 to 50 mph at
times this afternoon, with sustained speeds generally around 20 to
30 mph. Stronger 20ft winds and gusts can be expected in typical
terrain-favored areas. Windy, dry conditions will persist through
Saturday evening, with poor overnight recovery expected tonight.
Critical conditions may linger into Sunday across far eastern Nevada
and northwest Arizona.  Of additional concern is the realization of
new lightning-initiated wildfires from storms that moved through the
area midweek to grow and spread rapidly with the increased winds.
Winds will shift to the north on Sunday, with much cooler, below
normal temperatures expected Sunday through midweek and decreasing
winds from Monday onward. The Red Flag Warning remains in effect
through Saturday evening, but as mentioned above, it may need to be
extended into Sunday in some areas.

&&

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

&&

DISCUSSION/FIRE WEATHER...Planz
AVIATION...Woods

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