textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 700 PM PST Thu Mar 5 2026

* Showers ending this evening

* Sub-advisory level winds the rest of tonight and into Friday

* Warming trend will start Friday and continue into the weekend

UPDATE

Issued at 700 PM PST Thu Mar 5 2026

Winds have subsided below advisory levels and as such the Wind Advisories that were in effect through 7 PM have been allowed to expire. With snow showers ending this evening, the Winter Weather Advisories that were in effect through 7 PM across portions of Elko County have also been allowed to expire. No changes to the forecast at this time.

DISCUSSION

(This afternoon through next Thursday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: Periods of precipitation from a trough of low pressure over northern and central Nevada will push eastward this evening with much cooler temperatures expected across the region. Much of the precipitation will be very light this afternoon mainly across eastern Nevada with the majority affecting mountains. High gusty winds this afternoon and into the evening with speeds up to 20-25 mph, gusts as high as 45-50 mph, becoming lighter overnight with the exception of some parts in central and northeastern Nevada remaining gusty until tomorrow morning.

As the trough moves east, a part of the system is expected to cut-off and head south towards northwestern Mexico, with an upper ridge building just north of the system along the Pacific coast setting up a weak Rex Block pattern over the western CONUS on the weekend as a stronger zonal flow over the northern border will hinder the development of the upper ridge of high pressure. This pattern is still expected to bring warmer temperatures into Nevada as gradual warming begins Friday and is expected to warm into the next week, with high temperatures reaching up to 10 degrees above normal by Monday.

Shortly after the Rex Block forms, models showing it will quickly dissipate as the cut-off low pushes and the upper ridge weakens Monday afternoon into Tuesday. After that, in the models appear as to what the weather pattern will be for the rest of the week, with some models showing a northwesterly flow over Nevada as a long wave trough moves over northern CONUS that may clip into northern Nevada, while others show a building of a long wave upper ridge across western CONUS. So far, the best confidence in the long range is the warmer temperatures across central Nevada staying above normal, everything else will be further monitored as the week approaches for a more agreeable outcome.

AVIATION

VFR conditions are expected at all terminals through the weekend. Light snow shower activity mainly over and near mountains of northern and central NV will taper off by late this Thursday evening. Winds have diminished at most terminals, with gusts ending by 08Z at KELY. The remaining wind concerns are for KTPH and KENV where NW winds of 10 to 20kts gusting 20 to 30kts are expected to continue through the overnight hours and into Friday. Winds will become gusty at all terminals by late Friday morning through early Friday evening.

KENV remains AMD NOT SKED due to communication issues.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

None.