Las Vegas is bracing for a second storm this week, ushering in cooler temperatures, showers, and anticipated snowfall in the nearby Spring Mountains. Meteorologist Brian Planz from the National Weather Service noted that with the arrival of another Pacific storm, residents can expect a mix of rain and possibly rare snow flurries in the valley, particularly in areas west of the 215 Beltway.
The best chance for snow will occur early in the morning, between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m., with anticipated accumulations of one to two inches in Red Rock Canyon and possibly similar amounts in the bordering neighborhoods. Residents are excited about the rare possibility, with light showers already reported in Centennial Hills and Summerlin as of early morning.
The storm is set to clear by afternoon, but strong winds are expected to continue, with gusts ranging from 25 to 30 mph. The daytime high temperatures will linger in the low-to-mid 50s, while nighttime lows could drop into the upper 30s or lower 40s.
The surrounding mountains are under a winter weather advisory, with Kyle Canyon expecting up to two feet of snow. Mountain Springs along Route 160 could see around three inches, and this snow may cause traffic issues along Interstate 15 near Mountain Pass in California.
Looking ahead, another storm is predicted to hit the valley late Thursday morning, bringing a 50% chance of rain and a few snow flurries in the far western regions. By Sunday, temperatures are expected to rise to the 60s, providing a welcome respite from the winter storms.
This week of storms marked a shift, as the region experienced measurable rain for the first time in over five weeks during Monday’s storm—recording a modest 0.03 inches at Harry Reid International Airport. Last recorded rain at the airport was on January 8.
The potential for snow and rain not only offers a refreshing change for locals but also gives tourists an opportunity to appreciate Las Vegas in its winter finest, with many likely to flock to scenic overlooks and parks to enjoy the winter wonderland atmosphere.