Rain possible as storm system brings gusty winds to Las Vegas

By Jackie Valley

Published Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011 | 7:23 a.m.

Updated Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011 | 8:50 a.m.

Cloudy skies could bring rain showers and wind gusts to the Las Vegas Valley today.

The high temperature will reach about 68 degrees with a 30 percent chance of rain this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

A wind advisory was issued for the Las Vegas Valley as strong southwest to west winds develop across the region, thanks to a large Pacific storm moving onto the West Coast, forecasters said.

The wind advisory will be in effect from noon until 10 p.m. today. Forecasters said most wind gusts will be 25 to 35 mph, with stronger gusts appearing late this afternoon and early evening.

The expected high winds prompted Clark County officials to issue a dust advisory. Blowing dust is possible this afternoon and evening, officials said.

Unhealthy levels of dust are not expected, but officials are asking construction crews to take precautions.

The chance of rain showers increases to 50 percent tonight as conditions turn mostly cloudy and temperatures dip to a low of 45 degrees.

The sun will return Thursday, but temperatures will top out at a cooler 57 degrees, forecasters said.

Umbrellas could be necessary later this week, however, with rain showers forecast Friday night through Saturday.

Friday's high temperature will reach about 63 degrees followed by a high of 55 degrees Saturday, which will be mostly cloudy with an 80 percent chance of rain.