Summer heat with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s, wildfire smoke and chances for thunderstorms are in the forecast this week around Carson City and the western Nevada region.
Thunderstorms are likely to return to the region as early as Tuesday afternoon, mainly in the Eastern Sierra of Mono County. Thunderstorm chances then increase Wednesday and Thursday, especially for areas south of US-50 as additional moisture and instability increases, according to the weather service.
Storms on Wednesday may be a hybrid mix of wet and dry storms, some possibly being stationary with localized heavy rainfall possible, according to the weather service, noting the main threats from these storms will be occasional lightning, gusty outflow winds up to 40 mph, and localized heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, wildfire smoke from the Dixie fire and other area wildfires west of the Sierra will continue to produce smoke and haze for the region.
Weak westerly winds may help to disperse some smoke from the Lake Tahoe Basin and adjacent areas, but northerly winds will push smoke back against the Sierra Front and Tahoe Basin again late into Tuesday morning, according to the weather service.
Air quality impacts will likely persist, and potentially worsen Tuesday morning. The weather service advises to have some contingency plans if planning on being outdoors for extended periods. The latest air quality measurements are available at airnow.gov.
Daytime highs around the Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas will be in the mid to upper 90s through Friday. Highs around the Lake Tahoe Basin will be in the low to mid-80s.
