textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

1150 AM PST Thu Feb 26 2026

* Near record warm temperatures Friday and Saturday especially across central Nevada

* Increasing confidence that the next round of active weather will be this weekend with increasing chances for more precipitation

* Periods of active weather patterns expected through next week

DISCUSSION

(This afternoon through next Thursday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: Satellite loop this afternoon is depicting mainly high clouds moving across the region. No appreciable weather is expected tonight as upper level ridging remains across northwestern Mexico. Overnight lows will be in the 30s with light winds.

Upper level ridging will main its grip across northern and central Nevada Friday. Expect light winds, though there is a potential for afternoon breezes in central Nevada. Highs will be quite warm for this time of year with readings in the 50s and 60s. Near record warm temperatures are possible in central Nevada for Friday. The ridge axis will be shifting to the east during the overnight Friday with periods of clouds. No precipitation is expected. Lows will be in the 30s and 40s.

It will remain relatively mild on Saturday as the upper ridge shifts slowly to the east. West to southwest flow will bring in Pacific moisture across mainly the northern sections of the forecast area. Central Nevada will remain mostly dry. Highs will again be in the 50s and 60s with the possibility of near record warm temperatures in central Nevada. Precipitation chances will remain highest in northern Nevada, north of the US Highway 50 corridor. Snow levels will remain high at or above 8000 feet duringthis time frame so expecting most of the precipitation to fall as rain showers with perhaps mix of rain and snow at the highest passes and summits. Overnight lows will be in the 30s and 40s.

A brief break in the shower activity will occur Sunday with on and off showers expected. Highs continue to remain above normal with readings in the 50s and 60s. Winds will be light with some afternoon breezes. Snow levels continue to remain at or above 8000 feet. The next batch of precipitation is expected to start during the overnight Sunday into Monday as the main upper low tries to work east. Snow levels are expected to slowly decrease through the overnight with heights at or above 7000 feet. Lows will again be in the 30s to 40s.

The system will continue its eastward trek Monday through early Tuesday. Afternoon highs will cool into the 50s Monday with some slight warming for Tuesday and Wednesday. Overnight lows will be in the 20s and 30s. Another storm system is waiting in the wings for the latter portions of next week, which could bring cooler temperatures and increasing chances for light precipitation.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE & DEVIATIONS: Confidence remains high with respect to warm afternoon temperatures through the weekend. Confidence has been increased to high with the upcoming weekend storm system bringing valley rain showers/mountain snow showers to the area. Moderate confidence exists with current storm total precipitation amounts.

AVIATION

VFR conditions can be expected at all terminals through the next 24 hours. Localized breezes up to 25KT possible across central Nevada will redevelop Friday afternoon.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

None.