textproduct: Elko

SYNOPSIS

Period of active weather continues thru this weekend with accumulating precipitation expected. Greatest totals will be focused across northern Nevada with more modest totals throughout central Nevada. High pressure and fair weather expected next week.

SHORT TERM

Today through Friday night.

Active weather in the short term as back to back shortwaves impact the forecast area today and Friday. Precipitation moves in from the west-northwest and with progs indicating around 0.50 of PWAT embedded within each wave, accumulating rain and snow are expected. Greatest accumulations will be across northern Nevada with amounts more modest across central Nevada. The broad band of light snow currently moving from west to east across Nevada early this morning exits into Utah by 0800 AM PST.

The first shortwave moves into northern Nevada this afternoon with rain and snow spreading into the area from the northwest. Brief reprieve Thursday night with a few lingering showers over northern Nevada under mostly cloudy skies. Next shortwave moves in early Friday morning with more consistent precipitation spreading from west to east. Rain and snow will again be present with the quick moving wave and precip exiting east Friday afternoon. That said, showers linger Friday night across northern Nevada as weather remains unsettled. Snow levels reside around 5500 feet for northern Nevada, and 6500 feet for central Nevada. Given the persistent west-northwesterly flow pattern and reasonable moisture profile, upslope enhancement is likely and locales situated along northwest mountain slopes should expect higher end precip totals. This pattern looks to bring the greatest snowfall to Elko County. New snowfall totals thru Friday night will be between 2 and 5 inches for northern Elko County and between 1 and 4 inches for southwest and south central Elko County. This has prompted the issuance of a winter weather advisory for these locations as well as the Ruby Mountains/East Humboldt range where up to 12+ inches are expected. Valley locations elsewhere can anticipate between a trace and three inches with several inches across the high terrain. Winds will also be elevated with westerly gusts 30 to 35 mph across northern Nevada and 25 to 30 mph across central Nevada.

Daytime high temperatures reside in the upper 30s to upper 40s today with overnight lows in the low 20s to low 30s. Slightly warmer Friday as daytime highs mostly reside in the 40s. Overnight lows look to again be in the low 20s to low 30s.

AVIATION

VFR conditions forecast to be the primary flight conditions for the next 24 hours. Ceilings will remain low this morning as the next system arrives in the afternoon. Showers will start as a mix of rain and snow for KWMC and KBAM, with snow expected for KEKO. As showers begin, flight conditions after 18-19Z could drop to MVFR level for period of time. Winds this evening and Thursday will be out of the WSW at 5KT to 15KT with gusts to 25KT.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

Winter Weather Advisory until 4 PM PST Friday Northern Elko... Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range in Elko...South Central Elko...Southwest Elko.