LAS VEGAS, N.M. – In a striking display of climate extremes, Mother Nature has recently put New Mexico on a dramatic weather roller coaster. This month, residents basked in unseasonably warm 80-degree temperatures, only to be met the following month with an astonishing record snowfall that transformed the landscape.
KOB 4 Meteorologist Brandon Richards has been on the ground in Las Vegas, where the community has been inundated with significant snowfall. The slow melting process commenced on Friday, following a heavy accumulation of over 2 feet of snow that blanketed the town.
Roads around Las Vegas have gradually improved as snow plows and diligent residents went into action to clear the pathways. Jorge Romero, an employee of Prices Furniture in Las Vegas, noted the unusual volume of snow. “It’s been awhile since we have seen this much snow, but it is nice cause we need it,” he remarked, acknowledging the critical importance of the moisture.
Interstate 25 heading north is currently closed, creating significant delays. We spoke to some truckers, who, preferring to stay off camera, expressed their frustration after nearly two days of waiting to resume their journeys. In contrast, much of Interstate 25 south of Las Vegas was reported clear, with snow primarily lingering along the edges of the road.
Overall, the silver lining to this weather roller coaster is that the recent snowfall provided much-needed moisture for numerous areas across New Mexico, and a forecast of mostly sunny weather is on the horizon for the weekend.
