Barney Vinson's World

Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas in the near future? Then you should know what the weather is going to be like, so you'll know what to pack. It's not uncommon to see the temperature get up to 110 degrees during the last two weeks of July, which is the hottest time of the year in Las Vegas. It's even worse in nearby Laughlin, which recorded the state's record high temperature in 1994 -- a blistering 125 degrees. Of course, with the wind chill factor it was really only 119.

According to the weather bureau, the sun shines in Vegas about 320 days a year. As far as rainfall, the average is 4.8 inches a year. Unfortunately, it's usually all on the same day. Snowfall? Don't worry about it. It has only snowed twice since I've lived in Vegas, although on one occasion the snow was eight inches deep. Well, the men claimed it was eight inches; the women claimed it was five inches.

What should you pack? In the summer, you'll want lighter clothing, and of course heavier attire for winter wear. Unfortunately, the weather can change from day to day, so plan on bringing the following:

WOMEN: Loose-fitting beige coat, scarf, tailored suit, walking pumps, sandals, dinner jacket, casual jacket, non-sheer tailored blouses (3), slipover sweaters (2), shorts (3), tennis shoes, jeans, navy skirt, black skirt, brown skirt, cotton shirts (5), underthings, costume jewelry, dinner dress, cocktail dress, house dress, lounging pajamas, robe, slippers, bathing suit, cap with visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, rouge, pocket-sized magnifying makeup mirror, and toiletries.

MEN: Tank tops (5), cutoffs (1), and toothbrush.