097
FXUS65 KVEF 151720
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
920 AM PST Thu Jan 15 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Above-normal temperatures, sunny skies, and generally light
  winds expected across the forecast area into next week. The
  exception is along the Colorado River Valley where gusty north
  winds will increase wave heights each afternoon.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Today through Tuesday.

The region will remain sandwiched between a ridge of high pressure
to our west and a large trough of low pressure to our east heading
into the weekend, resulting in a tight pressure gradient along the
Colorado River Valley. This will keep a continuation of gusty north
winds peaking between 25 and 35 mph each afternoon through Saturday.
These wind speeds will result in increased wave heights,
particularly Lake Mohave, where heights will peak between 2 and 3
feet. We may see a brief period of lighter winds Sunday down the
Colorado River as surface gradients, but those are expected to
strengthen once again Monday leading to another increase in gusty
north winds. Otherwise, temperatures will remain 10-15 degrees above
normal through Friday, with a slight decrease in temperatures over
the weekend and into early next week.
&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 18Z Forecast Package...VFR
conditions will continue through the TAF period. Winds will remain
light and will follow typical, daily directional patterns through
evening hours. Winds will shift from southwesterly to a more
northwesterly direction during the overnight hours. This shift
will be accompanied by a 20 to 30% chance of winds in excess of 10
knots. Winds will swing back to the northeast Friday morning with
a continued 20 to 30% chance of sustained speeds of 10 knots or
greater.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 18Z Forecast Package...VFR conditions will
prevail through the TAF period. Light northerly or diurnal winds
will continue across most of the region into Friday. The Colorado
River Valley continues to be the exception with 20 to 30 knot
northerly wind gusts expected.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Gorelow
AVIATION...Stessman

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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office