Wave Goodbye to A Sunny December
As December winds down, Southern Nevada is preparing to welcome a much-needed shift in its typically dry and sunny weather. After an unusually warm December, residents are saying goodbye to clear skies and hello to the clouds and rain that have been long overdue.
A Tropical System Approaches
A significant weather event is on the horizon, driven by a fire hose of tropical moisture currently impacting California. This atmospheric river is moving southward, directing widespread showers toward Southern Nevada. As early as Tuesday night, light rain began to whisper across the Las Vegas Valley, setting the stage for what promises to be a wetter holiday period.
Rainfall Forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Las Vegas Valley from 4 a.m. on Christmas Eve to 4 a.m. Christmas morning. This proactive measure comes as heavy rain is expected to start late Tuesday, continuing throughout Wednesday. According to Clay Morgan from the National Weather Service, the valley could receive around an inch of rain, and while the temperatures will be warm, only the highest elevations, such as the Spring Mountains, might see snow. The Lee Canyon ski resort, perched at about 8,600 feet, may remain snowless.
On the mountains’ south-facing slopes, the rainfall could surge up to four inches, which could lead to swiftly changing conditions in the region.
Impact on Travel
This storm comes at a precarious time for holiday travelers, particularly those heading to and from Southern California. Ventura County, known for its evocative landscapes, is set to receive up to 11 inches of rain, resulting in evacuation warnings for regions at risk, including areas scarred by the recent wildfires.
Travel across the Sierra Nevada is anticipated to be treacherous, with predictions of up to 6 feet of snow and wind gusts reaching 55 mph in high elevations by Christmas Eve, making driving conditions hazardous. This evolving weather system necessitates caution for anyone taking to the roads during this festive, but unpredictable, season.
The Record-Breaking December Trend
This December is shaping up to be one for the record books, with temperatures soaring higher than average. Clay Morgan noted that Southern Nevada is on track to achieve its warmest December, a continuation of the trend observed over the last two years. Notably, last December saw no rainfall at all, establishing a stark contrast to the current storm’s implications.
A Soggy November Precedent
Interestingly, the shift to a wetter December follows a saturated November, during which Harry Reid International Airport recorded 4.96 inches of rain—well above the annual average of 4.18 inches. This steady rainfall positions 2025 as one of the wettest years in Las Vegas since 2019, a year that also experienced above-average precipitation.
Christmas Weather Facts Worth Noting
The weather on Christmas in Las Vegas has seen its fair share of fluctuating conditions over the years. Uniquely, the last time the city experienced rain on Christmas Eve was in 2021, and even more recently, Christmas Day rain fell in 2018. Since 1937, there have only been five occurrences of measurable rain on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with the last event recorded in 2008.
While holiday snowfall in Las Vegas is a rarity, it’s not impossible. The last time significant Christmas snowfall graced the valley was way back in 1994. On the flip side, record temperatures have been set, with the hottest Christmas Eve reaching 70 degrees in 2005, while the most frigid was a biting 14 degrees in 1990.
Patterns and Norms
Interestingly enough, only ten of the last 87 Christmas Eves witnessed measurable rain, and just nine of the last 87 Christmas Days shared a similar fate. The historical weather patterns showcase a complex relationship between the desert climate and the whims of winter weather systems.
For those planning to travel this holiday season, staying informed about the evolving weather conditions is key. Whether it’s enjoying the festivities under the rare rain, or navigating the roads, understanding the local weather patterns can enhance your holiday experience in Southern Nevada.