If you’re like me, readers, you are pumped for this weekend as it brings in cooler weather, even if that means it’s getting breezy first! Personally, I love the wind, because it means it’s bringing new weather; however I’ve been told more than once “no you don’t, no one loves the wind, only a psychopath would say such a thing,” so maybe I’m on my own here.
But, love it or hate it, wind is what we’re stuck with today, but temperatures will be lovely through the weekend before heating up again next week.
Let’s get into it!
The Region
Gusty winds, critical fire weather conditions and cooler temperatures are expected across western Nevada and the Sierra this weekend before dry, warmer weather returns next week, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
The strongest weather impacts are expected Friday and Saturday, when winds could create dangerous boating conditions, areas of blowing dust, crosswinds for high-profile vehicles and increased fire danger. A red flag warning and lake wind advisory are in effect for parts of the region through 11 p.m. Saturday.
Forecasters said lower elevations could see wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph Friday and Saturday, with a smaller chance of gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph in wind-prone areas along U.S. 395/I-580 and in the foothills of Reno, Carson City, Douglas and Lyon counties. Ridge gusts in the Sierra could approach 80 mph Saturday.
The system is also expected to bring a sharp cooldown by Sunday, with western Nevada valleys struggling to reach 70 degrees and Sierra communities mainly in the 50s and 60s. Shower chances will be limited, with the best chances north of U.S. 50 and near the Sierra crest. Rainfall amounts, where showers do develop, are expected to remain light.
By Monday, dry weather is expected to return, with afternoon highs climbing back into the upper 70s and 80s for western Nevada valleys and the 60s and 70s around Lake Tahoe.
Carson City
Carson City is forecast to see sunny and breezy conditions Saturday, with a high near 72 and west winds of 15 to 25 mph. Gusts could reach 35 mph. Saturday night brings a 20 percent chance of showers after 11 p.m., with a low around 41 and gusts up to 30 mph.
Sunday is expected to be sunny, with a high near 72. Monday will warm to around 80, followed by highs in the low to mid-80s Tuesday through Thursday.
Dayton
Dayton is forecast to be sunny and windy Saturday, with a high near 72 and west winds of 20 to 30 mph. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 46 and breezy conditions continuing.
Sunday should be sunny, with a high near 70. Highs are expected to climb back to around 79 Monday and into the low to mid-80s Tuesday through Thursday.
Minden, Gardnerville and Genoa
The Carson Valley is expected to stay sunny but breezy Saturday, with highs near 72 in Gardnerville and Genoa. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Overnight lows Saturday night will drop into the upper 30s, with breezy conditions easing after midnight.
Sunday will be sunny, with highs near 70 to 71. Highs will climb back into the upper 70s Monday and low 80s Tuesday through Thursday.
Washoe Valley
Washoe Valley is expected to see some of the stronger winds in the local forecast area. Saturday will be sunny, with a high near 62 and breezy southwest winds. Gusts could reach 35 mph.
A 20 percent chance of showers is forecast after 11 p.m. Saturday, with snow levels lowering from about 8,400 feet to 7,200 feet overnight. Sunday will be sunny, with a high near 64. Highs are expected to return to the mid-70s Monday through Thursday.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe will remain cooler and windy through Saturday. The greater Tahoe area is forecast to see highs mainly in the upper 50s to upper 60s Saturday, with southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts could reach 75 mph.
A lake wind advisory is in effect through Saturday night, and conditions will be hazardous for small boats, kayaks and paddleboards.
Saturday night will be cold, with lows around 29 to 39 in the greater Tahoe area. Showers are possible, with snow levels lowering from around 8,500 feet to 7,500 feet. South Lake Tahoe is forecast to reach only the upper 50s Saturday and Sunday, while Incline Village is forecast to reach the mid-50s Saturday and upper 50s Sunday.
By Monday, Tahoe-area highs are expected to return to the mid-60s, with mostly clear skies and dry conditions continuing through Thursday.
