Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013 | 11:25 p.m.
The mercury is steadily dropping in the Las Vegas Valley as a cold front lingers over the area, bringing with it sub-freezing temperatures and a slight chance for snow through the weekend.
Temperatures dropped from a high of 65 degrees on Tuesday to a low of 37 degrees at night as a mix of rain and snow fell across the valley. While snow did not accumulate in the Las Vegas Valley, Indian Springs received enough to gather on cars and grass, according to the National Weather Service.
“At this point in time, it’s pretty uncertain we’ll see snow again. But the best chance is on Saturday,” said NWS forecaster Larry Jensen, noting that it is not yet clear whether the snow will actually accumulate. “The big problem is going to be the cold temperatures. That is the big one.”
The NWS issued a hard freeze warning, indicating that sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely, that started at 9 p.m. Wednesday and will last until Friday morning.
Wednesday morning’s low was 37 degrees and the day’s high only reached 45; by nighttime, temperatures had dipped into the low 30s. Thursday is expected to be even colder with a high of 41 degrees and a morning low of 28 degrees.
Temperatures could reach the low 20s in Centennial and other outlying areas of the valley at higher elevations, and dip to the teens at Red Rock.
By comparison, the low is only 30 degrees in Chicago, 40 degrees in New York City, 45 degrees in Los Angeles and 71 degrees in Miami. However, in International Falls, Minn., the low is 5 degrees today, with a high of just 16 degrees.
Clark County officials and forecasters warn residents of bursting pipes, frostbite and hypothermia. To deal with the freezing weather, they encourage residents to do the following:
• Dress in layers to stay warm.
• Wrap pipes in insulation and let faucets drip a little.
• Never use gas appliances such as ovens, ranges, or clothes dryers to heat your home.
• Use extreme caution while driving in winter storms.
• Stay tuned to local TV or radio stations for information about weather conditions.
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