Las Vegas Braces for Winter Storm After 194-Day Dry Spell

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A potent winter storm is set to hit the Las Vegas Valley this weekend, bringing widespread rain and mountain snow after a record-breaking 194-day dry spell. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Spring Mountains and Sheep Range, with up to 18 inches of snow expected at higher elevations.

On Friday, Las Vegas residents enjoyed calm weather with mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching 56 degrees. However, the calm is expected to give way to significant precipitation by Sunday. The storm, originating from low pressure in the Pacific Northwest, will bring measurable rain to the valley and heavy snow to nearby mountain ranges.

“The bulk of the wet weather will be out west, with the most significant snow in the Sierra,” said a spokesperson from the National Weather Service. Weather models predict around 6 inches of snow on Mount Charleston and approximately 0.06 inches of rain in Las Vegas. Snow levels are expected to drop, potentially bringing flurries to the foothills by Monday morning.

Travelers are urged to exercise caution, as roads may become slick due to oils built up during the prolonged dry period. Mountain passes could also become hazardous, with snow accumulations ranging from 3 to 8 inches above 5,000 feet and up to 18 inches above 7,000 feet.

Showers are expected to clear by Tuesday afternoon, with temperatures rebounding to the upper 50s and low 60s by the end of the week. The storm marks a significant shift in weather patterns for the region, which has not seen measurable rain since July 2024.