textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

* Warming trend thru Sunday with southwesterly breezes in central Nevada

* Widespread precipitation returns early next week

* Warmer than normal temperatures mid-late week next week

UPDATE

Issued at 129 AM PDT Sat May 2 2026

The current forecast remains on track and no significant updates are required.

DISCUSSION

(This afternoon through next Friday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: Upper level ridge over the western CONUS will keep fair weather over Nevada today with the continued warming trend set to bring daytime highs just above normal and in the 70s. A closed upper level low embedded under the ridge and positioned along the coast of California will slowly move its way to the southwest. This will bring southerly/southwesterly flow over Nevada with southerly breezes across central Nevada this afternoon and gusts will reach as high as 25-30 mph.

By Sunday afternoon, the upper low will begin to push inland and into the Western U.S. This will bring moisture to the area, with chances for precipitation increasing up to 50%. Rainfall is expected to be light with accumulation around 0.10 inches or less. Most of the rain is expected to fall on Monday as chances increase throughout the day with the greatest accumulation expected within west central Nevada. Chances for areas to see up to a tenth of an inch of rain or greater during the day are as follows:

Austin: 45% Elko: 30% Ely: 40% Eureka: 60% Owyhee: 45% Tonopah: 25% West Wendover: 10% Winnemucca: 30%

Isolated thunderstorms are forecast Monday afternoon as CAPE values climb above 200 J/kg across northern Nevada with greatest chances along US-93 from Wells to Jackpot as CAPE values reach up to 300+ J/kg. Thunderstorm chances are also expected across the US-50 corridor though chances will be lower at around 20-25% as CAPE values are a little bit lower, residing between 150-200 J/kg.

Tuesday, periods of precipitation will continue with the majority of rain in central Nevada along the US-50 corridor. Thunderstorm chances remain up to 30% but is now more centralized along US-50. By the afternoon, active weather begins to dissipate as the low pushes eastward out of the state and an upper level ridge reestablishes itself over the state.

Wednesday thru Friday, upper level ridge will be the dominant pattern over Nevada, leaving fair weather conditions along with a warming temperature trend that will reach above normal and into the 80s by the end of the week.

AVIATION

VFR conditions will be present across all terminals thru tonight. Afternoon southerly breezes will be present today with the strongest gusts of around 20KT located at KELY and KTPH.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

None.