355 FXUS65 KVEF 050525 AFDVEF Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Las Vegas NV 1025 PM PDT Fri Jul 4 2025 .KEY MESSAGES... * Haze and smoke will remain visible through the weekend as a result of nearby wildfire and firework activity. * Temperatures will eclipse seasonal averages by the end of this weekend, with temperatures continuing to climb through the work week. && .DISCUSSION...Today through Friday. A shortwave trough pushing through the southern Great Basin will elevate surface pressure gradients across the Desert Southwest, as an area of high pressure builds over northern Mexico. As a result, gusty southwesterly winds between 25 and 35 mph are expected this afternoon. These winds combined with very dry conditions and dry vegetation will increase wildfire risk across southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. These concerns are exacerbated by Independence Day activities including cookouts, campfires, and fireworks. If planning any of these events, please ensure you have a bucket of water and/or a hose nearby to extinguish any fires that may occur. Fore more information, see the FIRE WEATHER discussion below. Southwesterly winds will continue over the next couple of days, but to a lesser magnitude, which will abate fire concerns. The Madre Fire in Southern California northeast of Santa Maria is up to 70,800 acres as of 12 PM PDT. Due to persistent southwesterly winds through the weekend, we can expect to see smoke and haze on the horizon for the next few days. A growing ridge of high pressure is centered over northern Mexico and will allow heights to rise over the Desert Southwest through this weekend and the upcoming work week. There remains some uncertainty regarding how high temperatures will climb heading into next weekend, as ensembles continue to resolve a cut off low`s impact to the dominant high late-week. Latest runs show this cut-off low weaken into an open wave as it pushes into the southern Great Basin Wednesday and Thursday. PWATs increase very modestly... from 0.25-0.4" to 0.5-0.7". Not expecting precipitation at this time, but can`t rule out some partial cloud cover, which will help reduce afternoon high temperatures. Will continue to assess the intensity of the upcoming heatwave, but regardless of exact temperatures, this is our hottest time of year, so take precautions if heading outside such as increasing water consumption, wearing sunscreen, and eating light meals during the day. && .AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 06Z Forecast Package...Gusty southwesterly winds will settle down overnight before picking back up with gusts of 20 to 25 knots late Saturday morning. Winds will then settle down again around sunset. No clouds or weather expected. Temperature rising to 100F around 20-21Z, reaching a high near 102F around 23Z, then falling below 100F around 02-03Z. For the rest of southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and southeastern California...For the 06Z Forecast Package...South to southwest winds will be a little weaker Saturday than on Friday, with gusts of 15 to 25 knots common around the region in the afternoon. Winds will settle down around sunset, except in areas such as around Barstow which normally see strong winds after sunset. No clouds or weather expected. Slantwise visibility reductions expected due to smoke from the Madre Fire in southern California. && .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating procedures. && $$ DISCUSSION...Soulat AVIATION...Morgan For more forecast information...see us on our webpage: https://weather.gov/lasvegas or follow us on Facebook and Twitter