505
FXUS65 KVEF 211935
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1235 PM PDT Sat Mar 21 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Anomalous early-season heat continues through the forecast period.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Today through Friday.

Current satellite imagery shows mid to high clouds drifting over the
region as a weak shortwave moves along the upper level ridge
pattern. The cloud cover should trap heat and keep overnight
temperatures a few degrees warmer tonight, likely breaking numerous
warm overnight low temperature records. Clouds along with lower
heights aloft should be able to knock a few degrees off of
tomorrow`s high temperatures as well. However, these highs will
still be over 20 degrees above seasonal normals and temperatures
should rebound a few degrees through next week as high pressure
builds back over the Southwestern U.S. Minor (Level 1) HeatRisk will
remain widespread across most of the region. Moderate (Level 2)
HeatRisk will remain confined mostly to The Colorado River
Valley, Death Valley, and parts of San Bernardino County south of
I- 40 Sunday onward. Those who are sensitive to heat and those
without cooling or hydration should especially use caution in
these areas.

Expect daily high temperature records and warm minimum temperature
records to continue to fall throughout the week. As of yesterday,
there have been three days this March with a maximum temperature
over 90 degrees in Las Vegas. This makes 2026 currently tied with
2004 for most days in March with highs at or above 90 degrees in
Las Vegas. Should the forecast play out as expected, there will be
10 days with highs at or above 90 degrees in Las Vegas by Friday,
putting March 2026 in first place by far.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Winds
will settle out of the southwest early in the period, increasing
to 10-12KT with gusts up to 18-20KT on at least an intermittent
basis through the afternoon. After sunset, winds diminish,
becoming light and variable overnight before settling into typical
daily directional patterns on Sunday. VFR conditions continue,
with increasing mid-level and high clouds through the forecast
period. Temperatures are expected to remain under 100 degrees
today.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Across most of the
region, breezy southwest winds will develop this afternoon, with
speeds around 10-15KT. These winds and any accompanying
intermittent higher gusts will diminish after sunset, with the
exception of the western Mojave, including KDAG, where elevated
westerly winds are expected for the duration. Additionally, in the
Owens Valley, including KBIH, winds generally remain
northwesterly around 5-10KT. VFR conditions continue, with
increasing mid-level and high clouds through the forecast period.

&&

.CLIMATE...Numerous climate locations have a forecast high
temperature and/or forecast warm low temperature within 3 degrees of
the daily record.

The table below shows the daily record maximum temperature and the
year the record was last set. An asterisk (*) denotes which records
are in jeopardy (within 3 degrees of the forecast).

MAX           SAT, MAR 21  SUN, MAR 22  MON, MAR 23  TUE, MAR 24
              Record(Yr)   Record(Yr)   Record (Yr)  Record (Yr)

Las Vegas     92(2004)*    91(2004)*    89(2004)*    89(1940)*
Bishop        84(2004)*    83(2004)*    82(2004)*    82(2022)*
Needles       98(2004)*    97(2004)*    94(1990)*    94(2025)*
Daggett       92(2004)*    92(2004)*    89(1971)*    91(1956)*
Kingman       89(2004)*    87(2004)*    85(1956)*    83(1956)*
Desert Rock   87(2004)*    87(2004)*    83(1990)*    84(2025)*
Death Valley  101(2004)*   102(2004)*   99(2004)*    99(2025)*

The table below shows the daily record warm minimum temperature and
the year the record was last set. An asterisk (*) denotes which
records are in jeopardy (within 3 degrees of the forecast).

WARM MIN      SAT, MAR 21  SUN, MAR 22  MON, MAR 23  TUE, MAR 24
              Record(Yr)   Record(Yr)   Record (Yr)  Record (Yr)

Las Vegas     69(2017)*    62(2015)*    71(2004)*    66(1998)*
Bishop        47(1978)*    46(1963)*    45(2012)*    48(2012)*
Needles       70(2017)     68(2004)*    71(2004)     72(1899)
Daggett       59(1978)*    62(2015)*    62(2004)*    58(1944)*
Kingman       54(1978)*    55(2004)*    58(2004)*    56(2004)*
Desert Rock   58(2017)*    54(2018)*    55(2012)*    61(1993)*
Death Valley  73(2017)*    72(2022)*    72(1967)*    74(1930)*
&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Meltzer
AVIATION...Phillipson

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NWS Las Vegas (VEF) Office