UPDATE: From record-breaking heat in July to the chance of late August snow for the higher Sierra elevations, this has been an eventful summer and it isn’t over yet. Gusty winds and a cool down are on the way.
The National Weather Service has upgraded its fire weather watch to a Red Flag Warning from 2 to 10 p.m. Thursday for the greater Reno area as well as Carson City, Douglas, Storey, southern Washoe, western Lyon and and far southern Lassen counties.
Winds will be out of the southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Localized higher gusts to 40 mph in wind prone areas. Humidity is expected to be between 13 to 18 percent.
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them. The weather service advises people to follow local fire restrictions including those that get posted for the Prison Hill Recreation Area in Carson City.
During gusty wind events, the weather service advises to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.
Meanwhile, NWS forecasters have noted the potential for upper elevation light snow in the Sierra by Friday night as temperatures begin to drop near the freezing level. Precipitation will also arrive with the front with a chance of showers along the Sierra front into western Nevada.
Forecasters note that snow levels will also fall to around 7,500 to 8,000 feet Friday night which could yield light snow showers across high Sierra elevations. Expect sub freezing lows for Sierra communities Friday night with lows in the 40s for western Nevada.
Temperatures will cool around 15 degrees by Friday afternoon behind the front with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s for western Nevada with upper 50s to low 60s for Sierra valleys, according to the latest NWS forecast discussion. Precipitation will also arrive with the front Friday afternoon into evening with a 40 to 60 percent chance of showers along the Sierra front into western Nevada.
Snow levels will also fall to around 7,500 to 8,000 feet Friday night which could yield light snow showers across high Sierra elevations, but any accumulations will be in the dusting category. Expect sub freezing lows for Sierra communities Friday night with lows in the 40s for western Nevada, according NWS forecasters.
Temperatures will quickly rebound through the weekend with highs returning to near seasonable levels by next Monday as high pressure rebuilds across the region, according to the weather service.
Closer to home, temperatures will begin to dip around Carson City, Carson Valley and Lyon County by Thursday night, with overnight lows in the mid 40s and daytime highs Friday and Saturday near 70 with a chance of rain showers both days. Temperatures will begin to rebound to the upper 70s Sunday and mid-80s by Monday.
Check back for updates.
