textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

* Generally fair weather in place today through Monday, though breezes will be present Sunday

* Next weather system moves in over Nevada Tuesday and Wednesday with periods of rain and mountain snow

* Strong gusty winds over central Nevada Monday and Tuesday

* Temperatures will be several degrees below normal Wednesday through the weekend

DISCUSSION

(This afternoon through next Friday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: Fair weather conditions today as moderate upper ridging situates over the southwest gradually warming temperatures to near normal on Saturday, then above normal by a few degrees into the 70s on Sunday and Monday. Winds will generally be light with some afternoon breezes Sunday across central Nevada from the south. By Monday, winds are expected to be strong with gusts up to 40-45 mph from the south over central Nevada. Monday evening, the high pressure ridge will be pushed to the east as a low pressure system pushes into the western CONUS.

Tuesday, tightening pressure gradients from the low pressure moving in over Nevada will make southerly winds ahead of the front be stronger and more widespread with speeds up to 20-25 mph, gusts 45-50 mph in central Nevada and just north of the US-50 corridor. The winds will dissipate as soon as the front passes with increasing chances for more precipitation moving across the region from west to east. Precipitation will fall as rain as temperatures will keep snow levels above 6000 feet. Mountains are expected to see chances of snow Tuesday night, increasing by Wednesday night. By Wednesday, the low pressure will push east and begin to destabilize once it's over the Rocky Mountains, but will still give chances for more rain and mountain snow, lasting until Thursday morning as chances push towards northeastern Nevada. Despite cooler temperatures dropping to below normal in the 50s, snow levels are expected to stay at or above 6000 feet staying in the mountains. By Thursday afternoon, the low pressure will destabilize and head northeast, leaving a trailing trough behind over Nevada that will keep temperatures cooler below normal in the 50s.

Friday, discrepancies in the models increase greatly with the outcomes of the weather conditions behind the low pressure. There is agreement of a trough pattern staying over Nevada, however the models differ on what this pattern will do with some showing the pattern staying as a weak trough and more widespread, while others are suggesting the trough will strengthen over the Pacific Coast and bring in more chances for precipitation. For now, the main consensus is fairer weather Friday with temperatures warming back to normal in the 60s.

AVIATION

Look for VFR conditions over all terminals over the next 24 hour period with light winds below 10 kts except for KTPH seeing up to 11 kts this afternoon from the south.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

None.