textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 1024 AM PST Fri Feb 13 2026

* Warming trend continues for Saturday

* Strong southerly winds gusts in Central Nevada Monday afternoon, lasting through the evening

* A series of storm systems will impact Northern and Central Nevada early next week

* Turning colder Monday and Tuesday

DISCUSSION

(This afternoon through next Friday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: Skies are mostly sunny across the western sections of the forecast area this afternoon, while low clouds persist in the eastern half. Some low level drying is noted as well as lifting ceilings and improving visibilities in the east. This trend will continue through the late afternoon hours. Look for heights to slowly increase tonight into Saturday as shortwave ridging begins to build from the west. Skies are expected to scatter out tonight with overnight lows in the teens and 20s. Winds will remain light.

The ridge axis will be moving off to the east for Saturday. Skies are expected to be mostly sunny tomorrow with warming temperatures in the 50s. These readings will be above normal for this time of year. Some afternoon gustiness is also expected with speeds in the 20s mph range. No precipitation is expected. Another quiet night is anticipated for the overnight on Saturday with lows in the 20s and 30s.

An upper level trough will be entering the eastern Pacific and encroaching upon the western United States on Sunday. A warm southwesterly flow will continue over northern and central Nevada and afternoon highs will reflect this. Readings will again be above normal for this time of year with highs in the 50s. Skies are expected to remain partly to mostly sunny with periods of high clouds. Winds will continue to remain breezy in central Nevada with gusts of 25 to 35 mph. Clouds will be lowering through the overnight Sunday with light showers developing in far northwestern Humboldt county by Monday morning. Overnight lows will be in the 20s and 30s.

On Monday, a strengthening upper low will be pushing into the Pacific Northwest States. This will send impulses through the flow through roughly mid-week or longer. One such impulse will be hitting California Monday, pushing moisture across the Sierra- Nevada mountains and into northern and central Nevada. Snow levels will be around 5000 to 6000 feet in central Nevada with slightly higher heights in northern Nevada. Highs will be in the 30s and 40s in central Nevada and 40s and 50s in northern Nevada. Winds in central Nevada will be windy in the afternoon with gusts to 50 mph possible. A wind advisory for the central zones may be needed. Winds in the north do not appear to be strong enough for headlines but this will need to Tye watched. Look for shower activity to continue into the overnight with lows in the 20s and 30s.

Tuesday and Wednesday, main upper trough will be spinning off the western coast of the United States with southwest flow continuing over the forecast area. CAPE values of 100-200J/kg are forecast across central Nevada with negative lifted indices, so the potential exists for localized convective snow bands over the central areas. This has the potential to bring higher snow rates and snow accumulations as well. Winds are forecast to be breezy once again, which will lead to blowing and drifting snow. Winter weather headlines may be needed for portions of the forecast area as a result. Highs Tuesday and Wednesday will be below normal for a change with readings in the 30s and 40s. Overnight lows will be in the teens and 20s.

Thursday and Friday, a longwave trough will be hanging around the area which will lead to isolated to scattered showers and cooler than normal with readings only in the 30s for highs and lows in the teens.

Overall snow totals for this system are forecast to be around one to five inches across the northern Nevada valleys and three to seven inches in the central Nevada valleys, though higher amounts are possible.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE & DEVIATIONS: Forecast confidence is high in warm temperatures this weekend. Confidence is increasing to for active weather beginning Monday with cooling temperatures and rain/snow showers. Snow and precipitation amounts stand at low confidence due to strength and timing of features noted in the flow at this time. Moderate confidence exists in strong winds Monday afternoon. Slight changes were made to adjust NBM wind forecast up as a result.

AVIATION

VFR conditions are expected to continue through the next 24 hours at all sites. Look for breezy winds across central Nevada Saturday with S10-20G25-30KT at KELY and KTPH terminals beginning around 18Z.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

None.