Rain chances evaporate: Storm tracks south of Las Vegas Valley
A nearly 200-day Las Vegas Valley dry spell looks like it will continue as a slow-moving winter storm largely bypassed Las Vegas.
A winter storm watch that had been issued for mountain areas in Southern Nevada was canceled and projections for moisture were erased in the latest National Weather Service forecast.
In short, the storm tracked south of the valley, according to meteorologists.
So why isn't it raining in Las Vegas and snowing on Mt. Charleston?
Well, a last-minute southward shift in the storm's track has resulted in the bulk of precipitation remaining south of town.
This shift can be seen in model guidance, particularly in the last 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/B823oLd578
— NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) January 27, 2025
At 8 a.m. Monday, radar showed light showers falling along Interstate 15 and the Nevada-California state line with significant snow falling in Mountain Pass.
The overnight forecast had called for a 30 percent chance of showers before 3 p.m. Monday, but that outlook was replaced with mostly dry conditions.
Lee Canyon did benefit from the storm with 7 inches of snow reported over the past 48 hours.
Mount Charleston did receive .04 of an inch of rain Sunday afternoon before sunny conditions returned. No other precipitation was recorded in any valley rain gauges.
Rising temperatures, perhaps into the low 70s early next week, and dry conditions are the norm for the next 8 to 10 days or longer.
Dry streak
As of Sunday, the Las Vegas airport had not received measurable precipitation for 197 days. The last measurable rain was July 13. The record is 240 days, set in 2020.
If rain does not fall at the airport, the valley would tie the 2020 record on March 10 and break it on March 11.
Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com.
