McCarran records 58 mph gust during breezy evening in Las Vegas

By Rich Coleman

Published Monday, March 7, 2011 | 8:50 p.m.

Updated Monday, March 7, 2011 | 10:33 p.m.

Hold on to your hat and important papers because the Las Vegas Valley is in for a windy night.

The National Weather Service’s forecast late this evening calls for gusty northwest winds between 25 and 35 mph with some gusts exceeding 50 mph.

Weather service meteorologist Faith Borden said a gust of 52 mph was reported five miles southwest of downtown Las Vegas on Monday night. A 58 mph gust was reported about 9 p.m. at McCarran International Airport.

“We had a pretty good couple of wind gusts more associated with the upper level front that came through,” she said.

Borden said the winds will continue through the late evening and decrease in intensity overnight.

Blowing dust and sand could reduce visibilities at times to less than one mile, while strong winds could affect travel, forecasters said.

McCarran reported a trace of precipitation Monday with a high of 69 degrees.

Tonight will be mostly clear with a low near 48, then forecasters said Tuesday will see north winds at 10 to 15 mph with a high near 65.