textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

* A few strong thunderstorms are possible in Eastern Nevada this afternoon into this evening

* Smoke from area wildfires causing respiratory issues over Northern Nevada today

* Near record heat in most of Northern and Central Nevada each afternoon Friday through Sunday

* Moderate risk of heat-related illnesses for heat-sensitive groups each afternoon Friday through Sunday

DISCUSSION

(This afternoon through Tuesday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: An anticyclone aloft over the Desert Southwest will slowly move westward into Southern California today through Sunday. The air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups today due to smoke from area wildfires. An Air Quality Alert is in effect until 6 AM PDT Thursday morning. A few strong thunderstorms are possible in Eastern Nevada this afternoon into this evening. The primary thunderstorm hazards will be wind gusts near 45 mph and dangerous cloud to ground lightning strikes.

As the aforementioned upper-level area of high pressure creeps closer to the Silver State Friday through Sunday, the heat will build. Record heat is expected in Ely Friday afternoon. Near record heat is anticipated in Elko and Eureka Friday afternoon. Record heat is expected in Ely Saturday afternoon. Near record heat is anticipated in Elko, Winnemucca, Eureka, and Tonopah Saturday afternoon. Record heat is expected in Ely Sunday afternoon. Near record heat is anticipated in Eureka and Tonopah Sunday afternoon. Heat Advisories will likely be required for most of the forecast area Friday through Sunday. Here are probabilities of triple digit heat for select locations in Northern and Central Nevada on Saturday, August 1st, 2026:

Battle Mountain - 95% Carlin - 95% Elko - 90% Winnemucca - 90% West Wendover - 90% Wells - 90% Spring Creek - 80% Tonopah - 80% Ely - 75% Eureka - 75%

High temperatures throughout Northern and Central Nevada Monday afternoon will be around five degrees above normal for this time of year. Maximum temperatures across the forecast area Tuesday afternoon will be seven to nine degrees above seasonal values. Heat Advisories may be required for parts of Northern and Central Nevada Monday and Tuesday.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE & DEVIATIONS: Medium forecast confidence regarding smoke from area wildfires causing respiratory issues over Northern Nevada today. Medium forecast confidence in the possibility of a few strong thunderstorms in Eastern Nevada this afternoon into this evening. High forecast confidence regarding near record heat in most of Northern and Central Nevada each afternoon Friday through Sunday. High forecast confidence in a moderate risk of heat-related illnesses for heat-sensitive groups each afternoon Friday through Sunday. No deviations from the NBM model output.

AVIATION

MVFR visibilities at times due to smoke and haze at KWMC, otherwise VFR conditions will prevail at all terminals through at least the next 24 hours. Thunderstorms will be in the vicinity of KELY and KENV this afternoon into this evening. Direct impact cannot be ruled out.

FIRE WEATHER

A few strong thunderstorms are possible in Eastern Nevada this afternoon into this evening. The primary thunderstorm hazards will be wind gusts near 45 mph and dangerous cloud to ground lightning strikes. A warming trend is expected Thursday through Saturday. By Saturday afternoon, high temperatures will be around ten degrees above normal for this time of year.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

None.