000
FXUS65 KVEF 212216
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
220 PM PST Sat Feb 21 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

*  Expect calm conditions this weekend, along with a gradual warming
   trend through late next week.

*  A weakening storm system will bring low chances of additional
   precipitation to the Sierra midweek.

&&

.DISCUSSION...through next weekend.

Mostly clear skies dominate the region this afternoon as high
pressure ridging continues to build into the area. Substancial
snow pack across parts of the southern Great Basin and the Owens
Valley has kept highs cool across those areas, with Bishop only
reporting 30F as of 1 pm, well below the forecast high. As snow
gradually melts the next few days, temperatures should slowly warm
up there as well with less dramatic departures from the forecast
guidance. Meanwhile, lower elevations of the Mojave Desert will
see temperatures climb into the 70s by early next week and even
into the 80s midweek onward across the lowest elevations along
the Colorado River Valley and Death Valley. By the weekend, even
Las Vegas has about a 60% chance of reaching 80 degrees or
greater.

The forecast through upcoming week is mostly dry, though a
weakening atmospheric river will move into the northern and
central Sierra Tuesday and Wednesday, spreading enhanced cloud
cover across our northern zones, and some modest precipitation
possibilities mainly along the southern Sierra north of Mount
Whitney. Snow levels will be high (Above 9000 feet in elevation)
and any totals should be light.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 00Z Forecast Package...Light
winds continue today and Sunday, generally favoring typical, daily
patterns. Chance of seeing 10+ knots is around 20%. Periods of
scattered to broken high clouds.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 00Z Forecast Package...Light winds are expected
across most of the region today and Sunday with periods of high
clouds. Only exception will be along the Colorado River Valley where
northerly winds are expected near KIFP and KEED. Gusts this
afternoon will be near 20 knots near IFP, increasing to around 30
knots Sunday. Slightly lighter winds expected near KEED with minimal
gusts today increasing to around 20 knots Sunday.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION/AVIATION...Outler


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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office