Scattered storms help cool off valley
A weather system produced thunderstorms and high winds over parts of the valley today, dropping the temperature before it could reach record levels.
The system scattered small amounts of rain in the northwest and west parts of the valley, according to the National Weather Service.
Some areas received between .04 and .08 inches of rain, although McCarran International Airport, where the valley’s official temperatures and rain levels are recorded, received none.
The airport reached 113 degrees before the system moved in shortly before 3 p.m., Meteorologist Barry Pierce said. The record for July 18 is 116 degrees, set in 2005. The average temperature for the date is 105.
The high temperatures – and the potential for afternoon thunderstorms – are expected to linger for the next few days. An excessive heat watch has been issued for Sunday as temperatures are expected to reach 112 degrees. Temperatures will cool slightly throughout the week, to around 109, Pierce said.
