Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Las Vegas, NV
Issued by NWS Las Vegas, NV
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027 FXUS65 KVEF 171858 AFDVEF Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Las Vegas NV 1158 AM PDT Fri Jul 17 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... * Abundant moisture will remain over the Desert Southwest into next week, with daily rounds of monsoon thunderstorms. * Seasonably hot temperatures will persist with unusually warm overnight lows due to moisture and cloud cover. && .DISCUSSION... An active stretch of monsoon days is expected as abundant moisture resides over the Desert Southwest. This is apparent from the most recent Upper Air soundings from Las Vegas, each showing precipitable water values exceeding 1.6 inches. The most active convective days currently appear to be today and Saturday. With ensembles indicating some slight drying early next week, less widespread activity can be expected, but the chance for storms will persist through the end of next week. In fact, medium- range ensembles indicate a weak inverted trough feature may result in a period of greater shower and thunderstorm activity mid to late next week, though confidence in the timing/placement of this feature is very low. We will continue to monitor trends as the time draws closer. Regardless, expect thunderstorms to largely be terrain and outflow driven with little movement owing to very weak mid-level steering flow. This will result in an increased risk for localized flash flooding, especially given the high water content in the atmosphere. Lightning and gusty winds will also accompany any thunderstorm. Looking into the long range timeframe, the pattern generally looks to continue favoring a monsoon pattern with at least a chance for isolated thunderstorms into next weekend. As it commonly the case, areas of Mohave and Lincoln counties into southwestern Utah will generally be geographically preferred for thunderstorms. Be especially mindful if you have any outdoor activities planned over the next week or so as thunderstorms will remain in the forecast. Afternoon high temperatures will generally remain right around climatological normals. However, given the potential for increased overnight cloud cover and abundant atmospheric moisture, the air will struggle to cool down overnight. This will result in some elevated heat risk potential, especially in the hotter spots, including the Colorado River Valley and Death Valley. Remain hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest time of the afternoon. && .AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Winds this afternoon should be similar to yesterday`s, with light east winds turning southerly and increasing by late afternoon. Gusts over 20 knots can be expected at times. Chances for convection to impact the terminal remain higher this afternoon and evening, with scattered thunderstorms producing heavy rain, sudden outflow winds, lightning and CIGs below 8000ft possible after 20Z. Convection should wind down between 03Z and 06Z tonight. Confidence in the wind forecast is low late this afternoon through early tonight due to potential convective influences. Temperatures will exceed 100 degrees between 19Z and 04Z. Outside of convection, occasional CIGs around 12kft AGL are expected through the TAF period. The chance of convective activity on Saturday will be lower. For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast California...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Away from afternoon convection, expect light winds becoming south to southeast today. Breezy southwest winds will develop at KBIH this afternoon, with gusts over 30 knots persisting through sunset. KDAG will see gusty west winds developing around 00Z after seeing light winds through much of the afternoon. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon through southern Nevada and into Arizona. Any storms may produce lightning, sudden gusty outflow winds, brief heavy rain, and CIGs below 8kft. Confidence in thunderstorm chances remains low near the Colorado River Valley, including KEED and KIFP, but isolated convection can not be ruled out after 21Z. Outside of precipitation, CIGs should remain AOA 12kft AGL. && .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating procedures. && $$ DISCUSSION...Austin AVIATION...Planz For more forecast information...see us on our webpage: https://weather.gov/lasvegas or follow us on Facebook and Twitter