Valley posts record-breaking high

Monday, Jan. 6, 2003 | 9:40 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE SERVICES

After posting a record-breaking high temperature, the Las Vegas Valley was blasted with winds that ripped away roofs and caused scattered power outages Sunday night and early today.

Sunday's high temp of 71 degrees broke the 55-year-old record of 68 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

But by Sunday night, the front edge of a cold front caused weather service forecasters to issue a high-wind warning for Southern Nevada, Southern California and parts of Utah.

Winds of up to 50 mph swept through the valley Sunday night and tore carport roofs off at Rainbow Boulevard and left some neighborhoods without electricity.

Northerly winds of 25 to 30 mph blew dust into the air along U.S. 93 and Interstate 15 south of Las Vegas with gusts reaching 50 mph, weather service forecaster Charlie Schlott said.

The winds are expected to subside this afternoon, and temperatures are to rise back up into the low to mid-60s today, Schlott said. Forecasters predict it will remain seasonal this week with highs around 60 degrees.

Southern California also reported record high temps and gusty winds.

The temperature in downtown Los Angeles hit 83 degrees Sunday, close to the record high of 85 set in 1902, the weather service said.

Since Jan. 1 the weather service has had a "fire weather forecast" in effect for Southern California, which exists when dry conditions and low humidity combine with winds higher than 25 mph.

Severe winds and drought conditions caused fire officials in Riverside County to issue a fire threat warning.

High wind warnings were issued for Los Angeles and Ventura counties thorugh Tuesday. Santa Ana winds could gust as high as 70 mph in Southern California.