textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

* Elevated risk of wildfires in most of Northern and Central Nevada this afternoon and this evening

* Cooling trend today and Monday

* Near freezing temperatures in the coldest valleys of Northern and Central Nevada tonight

DISCUSSION

(Today through Saturday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: Breezy conditions this afternoon, with gusts to 25-35 mph (strongest winds in Eastern Nevada). Elevated fire weather conditions during the day as dry conditions will leave humidity below 15%, however remain borderline as when the winds increase, humidity also rises above 20% due to the much cooler temperatures moving in. Highs will be several degrees below normal for Northern Nevada in the 70s with Central Nevada staying in the 80s. Overnight lows will be coldest in Northern Nevada in the 30s with some areas dropping to freezing level, while Central Nevada cools into the 40s.

Monday, winds are expected to be light and fair as the main frontal passage moves northeast along with the jet streak. A weak shortwave trough pattern will remain over the northwestern CONUS behind the low pressure system which will keep a near zonal to almost northwesterly flow over Nevada. This will keep temperatures cooler across central and northern Nevada with highs in the 60s to 70s. Overnight lows will also remain cool with northern Nevada again in the 30s (some areas reaching to freezing temperatures) and central Nevada in the 40s.

Tuesday and through the week, there is some inconsistencies within the forecast as to what transpires with the upper level trough, with some models showing the trough strengthening to a low pressure system and moving over Nevada, while others show the trough remaining unchanged. The main consistency is that temperatures will gradually warm back to near normal throughout the week with highs staying in the upper 70s to 80s until reaching above normal by next weekend. Winds will also be consistent staying light to some mild afternoon breezes. No weather is forecasted throughout the week.

AVIATION

Look for VFR conditions at all terminals over the next 24 hour period.

FIRE WEATHER

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected in most of Northern and Central Nevada this afternoon and this evening due to southwest to west wind gusts near 35 mph and minimum relative humidity values as low as nine percent. Near freezing temperatures are anticipated in the coldest valleys of Northern and Central Nevada tonight. Dry weather will persist for at least the next several days.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

None.