Las Vegas and surrounding regions are set to experience a significant heat wave this week, with temperatures expected to soar well above normal under a high-pressure ridge. The National Weather Service in Las Vegas has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Thursday and Friday, with temperatures expected to climb 6-8 degrees above seasonal averages.
While the main story this week is the impending heat, there is a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms today in northern Lincoln County. Early this morning, radar detected a few light rain showers east of Panaca and Pioche. These showers are associated with an area of low pressure moving slowly eastward across central Oregon, brushing northern Nevada. However, beyond northern Lincoln County, the rest of the region is expected to remain dry with only some shallow cumulus clouds forming over higher terrains in the southern Great Basin and Mojave Desert.
As the low pressure moves out, a ridge of high pressure will build over the Mojave Desert, bringing significantly warmer conditions. By Wednesday, temperatures are expected to rise, with the most intense heat forecasted for Thursday and Friday. During these days, elevations below 3,500 feet could experience widespread major to extreme HeatRisk.