More wind, rain forecast for valley

Dan Kulin

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004 | 9:43 a.m.

Rain, rain may come today, with snow due up Mount Charleston way.

After two sprinkles and light rain that only registered trace accumulation in the Las Vegas Valley, National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Gorelow said rain is forecast to begin late today and likely to continue on and off into Wednesday.

On Mount Charleston and other areas above 7,000 feet, snow is likely begin late today and continue into tomorrow. Snow pellets, which Gorelow said are like soft hail, fell on the mountain Monday, but did not accumulate on the ground. It was the first reported sign of snowfall this season, he said.

The snow showers forecast through Wednesday are expected to leave 3 to 5 inches on the higher elevations, he said.

The coming rain showers are expected to drop about a half-inch of rain on the Las Vegas Valley, he said.

Meanwhile, the cooler-than-normal temperatures and windy conditions that have also been around for a couple of days are expected to remain through the end of the week.

Normal high temperatures for this time of the year are around 80. Sunday and Monday, the high temperature was 74. The high temperature is expected to be around 70 today, Gorelow said.

Winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, are also expected today into Wednesday, Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management announced in a statement advising area residents and businesses to brace for high dust levels.

The strong wind and dry weather conditions in some areas could stir up dust, particularly dust 10 microns or less that is inhalable air pollution and can aggravate respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or asthma.

The department said dust levels could reach unhealthy levels.

If dry, windy conditions occur, public health officials urge children, seniors and people with chronic respiratory problems to stay indoors. Officials also recommend that all residents limit outdoor exercise during dust storms.