Las Vegas Valley breaks 89-day dry spell record
Las Vegas broke a 89-day dry spell on Sunday.
It was the fourth longest spell on record, according to the National Weather Service’s Twitter account. Less than a hundredth of an inch was recorded at McCarran International Airport where the weather service officially measures the valley’s precipitation, according to Meteorologist Ashley Nickerson.
It rained for nine minutes at the airport. Residents reported seeing heavier rains in Henderson and west Las Vegas. Rain and lightning was also spotted at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, according to Nickerson.
There may be gusty winds that come with the weather.
“It should dry out and the sun will be prominent,” Nickerson said, adding the rain is unlikely to ruin any Sunday plans residents have. “It’s still something to watch. If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to be hit by lightning.”
The weather system appears to be heading north through the valley and came from California.
The last time it rained at McCarran International Airport was April 20. At approximately 11:53 a.m. officials reported a trace of precipitation at the airport on Sunday breaking the valley’s dry spell.
Nickerson said in areas where there is lighter rainfall, water may not make it to the ground because of all the dry air.
The high temperature is projected to be 109 degrees this afternoon and the light precipitation could bring the temperature down “a smidge,” she said.
Contact Alex Chhith at achhith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0290. Follow @alexchhith on Twitter.
