Las Vegans can expect a significant shift in weather, with forecasts indicating a mix of precipitation and gusty winds rolling into the area later this week. According to the National Weather Service Las Vegas NV, today's temperatures should hold steady. However, an incoming dynamic weather system is set to shake things up starting Thursday, April 17, 2025, and rolling into the weekend.
The recent passage of a moist shortwave and a deepening upper-level low in the southeastern Pacific Ocean are combining forces to bring moisture to the Desert Southwest. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, will see a convergence zone forming as a trough descends upon the Intermountain West. "This combination of moisture advection and convergence ascent will result in increased PoPs across the southern Great Basin on Wednesday and gusty south-southwest winds," the agency reported.
Expect light rainfall favoring higher terrain, with a possibility for occasional lightning, and Wednesday offering the last of the week's "warm" temperatures, as per the National Weather Service Las Vegas NV. Thursday's weather scenario looks more convoluted as the cold front presses south through southern Nevada and the northern Mojave Desert. This event is lined up to become the driver for rainfall and potential thunderstorms into Friday.
"Expecting scattered shower and isolated thunderstorms to develop along the front Thursday afternoon, with activity potentially continuing Thursday night, and Friday as the front sags southward," per National Weather Service Las Vegas NV. Model projections show uncertainty in the forecast, primarily on the extent of low-level moisture and its interaction with cooler air aloft. As the front makes its way, temperatures will take a noticeable dip.
Snow levels are set to fall from 8000 ft to around 6500 ft, signaling possible late-season snow in the higher elevations like the Spring Mountains and Sierra. Gusty conditions are also on the cards, particularly on Thursday, April 17, 2025, which could lead to minor wind impacts, the service foresees a "70% chance" in western San Bernardino County. Other areas may see less severe wind-related issues, but widespread gusts of 25-40 mph are expected.
"Once the low closes off over our area on Friday, the risk for impactful winds decreases," the forecasters add. Post-storm, temperatures should ease back to typical mid-April ranges by Sunday, April 20, 2025, and Monday, April 21, 2025, as reported by the National Weather Service Las Vegas NV.
Aviation-wise, Harry Reid and the surrounding areas anticipate VFR conditions after an early showing of isolated light rain and higher clouds. Winds will mostly stay gentle, oscillating from east in the early morning to south and southwest by evening. Across southern Nevada, northwest Arizona, and southeast California, similar patterns are expected, although some locations like KBIH might experience wind gusts up to 20-25KT briefly this afternoon, April 15, 2025.
Weekend temperatures eased slightly from last week’s record-setting 90s, settling into the upper 80s with breezy winds making for a beautiful warm Sunday, April 13, 2025. Highs will hold steady in the upper 80s to start the work week, but not for long. Plenty of high clouds are sliding into the skies Monday morning, all coming up from the Southern California coast. A stronger system farther south near Baja is pumping heavier clouds into Arizona, where, by Tuesday, that area could see some light showers.
Southern Nevada will continue to see various clouds through midweek, but not looking for rain until the end of the week. Above-normal highs will be in the 80s, and mornings will stay in the milder 60s. By the end of the week, two weather systems are expected to converge over the desert. A persistent low-pressure system off the southern California coast and a cooler front moving down from western Canada will meet over the Great Basin, bringing gusty winds, showers, thunderstorms, and mountain snow before Easter weekend.
Winds will strengthen from Wednesday, April 16, 2025, into Thursday, April 17, 2025, with showers expected to begin Thursday night and continue into Friday, April 18, 2025. The colder northern system will bring a significant temperature drop, at least 20 degrees lower than earlier in the week, bringing Friday highs down to the mid-to-low 60s and overnight lows into the 40s. Valley areas may see showers and possible thunderstorms, while snow levels in the mountains could fall to relatively low elevations. Lee Canyon could pick up around 4 inches of fresh snow, despite the resort being closed for the season.
Rainfall in the valley is expected to remain light, likely under a tenth of an inch. Temperatures will rebound quickly heading into Easter weekend, climbing back into the low 70s on Saturday, April 19, 2025, then warming further to the low 80s by Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. The warmup continues into next week, with highs reaching the mid-80s.
In summary, Las Vegas is bracing for a dynamic weather shift that will bring mixed precipitation, gusty winds, and a significant temperature drop as two weather systems converge over the region. Residents should prepare for potential rain and snow, especially in higher elevations, as temperatures fluctuate dramatically throughout the week.
