555
FXUS65 KVEF 220521
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
921 PM PST Wed Jan 21 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Weak low pressure approaching southern California will bring
  slight chances of light precipitation and gusty winds to the area
  this weekend.

* High Pressure ridge returns Sunday into next week with dry and
  mild conditions resuming.

&&

.DISCUSSION...through next Wednesday.

An upper level low currently spins off the central California coast,
sending mid and upper level moisture into the forecast area. This
feature will track south and east through the rest of today and
tomorrow, phasing with an upper level trough by Friday. Most of the
moisture associated with this system should stay well to the south
in Mexico and Arizona. However, the little moisture this far north
along with forcing associated with the low should be enough to kick
off light precipitation on Friday, especially over the mountains
with the help of orographic lift. Totals are generally less than one
tenth of one inch. Some ensemble members suggest greater
precipitation amounts, which remain a possibility if the low takes a
more northerly track, but even these solutions only suggest a few
tenths of an inch. Elevated northerly winds develop on Saturday as
the low tracks shifts east, including a 70 percent probability of
gusts over 40 mph in the Colorado River Valley between Laughlin and
Needles. Temperatures should bottom out on Sunday with highs around
5 degrees below normal. For Las Vegas, this means highs in the mid
50s.

A ridge will start to build starting Sunday into the middle of next
week. Temperatures should gradually rise in response with highs a
few degrees above normal by Wednesday. The ridge should also maintain
dry conditions and light winds other than a northerly breeze down
the Colorado River Valley.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Winds
will be under 8 knots and follow typical diurnal directional
patterns through the TAF period. Mid and high clouds will stream
across the area, with ceilings generally remaining at or above 12kft
AGL. VFR conditions will prevail through Thursday.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Winds at most locations
will continue to follow typical diurnal directional patterns, with
speeds remaining under 10 knots throughout the forecast period. Mid
and high level clouds will continue to stream across the area, with
ceilings generally remaining between 12 and 20kft AGL.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Meltzer
AVIATION...Planz

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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office