textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 115 AM PST Thu Jan 1 2026

* Potential for freezing rain tonight into Thursday morning

* Winds will be relatively light today, with afternoon gusts trending higher into the weekend

* Valley rain and mountain snow this evening through Thursday

* Dry on Friday, with more showers this weekend into next week

UPDATE

Issued at 115 AM PST Thu Jan 1 2026

Rain showers reached Tonopah, Ely and Winnemucca earlier in the evening, and just began in Elko at around 1 AM. Expect showers to continue at times across Northern and Central Nevada the rest of tonight and through the afternoon and evening hours Thursday. There is a potential for either freezing rain or light snowfall in some valley and summit locations the rest of tonight into Thursday so travelers are urged to use caution. Forecast remains on track with no updates needed at this time.

DISCUSSION

(This evening through next Tuesday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: An active weather pattern is in store for the Silver State into next week as a series of shortwaves and weather systems impact the region. A very meridional pattern pushes the ridge overhead on Wednesday to the east this evening. Immediately replacing the ridge is a shortwave riding southwest flow in a larger ULT. Sub-tropical moisture advecting from the south will interact with the wave to increase precipitation chances across central and northern NV beginning later this evening. Precipitation is forecast to be mainly valley rain and mountain snow through Thursday, though there is a wrinkle of freezing rain in the forecast. Portions of eastern and southeastern Elko County, as well as isolated spots in Humboldt County are sporting sounding profiles that contain warm noses near the surface late this evening into the new year. Based on the early morning timing and lack of winter weather impacts so far this season a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for freezing rain in southern and eastern Elko County tonight. Hazardous driving conditions may occur along I-80, US-93 and local roads that will impact the Thursday morning commute.

Forcing and well above average moisture availability (PW's of 0.55-0.65 inches) will make this New Years system a wet one for the region. Snow accumulations of 8-12 inches will be confined to elevations above 6000 feet. Central NV rainfall amounts of 0.10-0.25 are possible through Thursday with northern NV seeing potentially more as amounts will range 0.2-0.5 inches.

Friday will be a brief respite from active weather though winds will begin to increase Friday evening. A tightening pressure gradient overhead will increase southwesterly wind speeds Saturday as a larger trough begins to encroach on the Great Basin. Precipitation chances increase Saturday through Monday though moisture availability isn't quite as robust with this trough thanks to some Sierra scouring. QPF probs and storm totals bear this out though latest model runs do show an increase in snow and areal coverage early next week. The parent trough finally pushes through the area Tuesday with brisk zonal flow pushing into the area by later next week.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE & DEVIATIONS: High confidence remains in light winds, valley rain, and mountain snow through Thursday. Ice was added to the Wx grids as up to 40% probabilities of freezing rain are possible tonight and Thursday morning for portions of northern NV, specifically Humboldt, and eastern and southern Elko Counties.

AVIATION

A mix of precipitation is expected across Central and Northern Nevada the rest of tonight and through this Thursday evening. Most precipitation at TAF sites is expected to be rain, however some locations may see periods of mixed rain and or snow. Freezing rain is also a concern tonight into Thursday, with highest chances at KENV. CIGs and VIZ will likely be lowered to MVFR levels in precipitation, and possibly IFR in any moderate or heavy showers. Later today and overnight shower activity will taper off, though fog may be a concern in some areas tonight into Friday morning.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

Winter Weather Advisory until 8 AM PST this morning NVZ033-038-039.