As monsoonal moisture surges into the Las Vegas region today, the National Weather Service Las Vegas has issued an advisory for widespread showers and thunderstorms, heightening concerns for potential flash flooding in several counties. According to the NWS’ detailed forecast, these storms could bring moderate to heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and disruptive outflows. Residents in San Bernardino County and Death Valley should especially heed the advisory, as Flash Flood Watches are active from 9 AM this morning through 1 AM PDT tonight.
Weather conditions are anticipated to maintain elevated moisture through midweek before dissipating later on, shifting storm probabilities more towards the eastern regions each successive day. PWATs will range from 1.25 to 1.50 inches across our southern zones, including San Bernardino County, Clark County, and southwestern Mohave County, the NWS forecast notes, pointing to an influx of deep atmospheric moisture conducive to thunderstorm activity across the forecast area.
For aviation, the thunderstorms present a specific set of challenges. Advisory statements for the Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport indicate a window between 23Z-03Z as the most susceptible timeframe for disturbances, including erratic winds from outflows, moderate to heavy rain, and ceilings potentially dropping to 10kft. Pilots and travelers should expect disruptions and plan accordingly, with convection expected to taper off around 06Z, though uncertain weather patterns may prolong shower activity into tomorrow morning…