textproduct: Reno

KEY MESSAGES

* Gusty afternoon winds will result in recreation impacts and critical fire weather conditions today through Sunday.

* Showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and Saturday afternoon in Mono and Mineral counties.

* Seasonably hot weather prevails through next week with periods of moderate HeatRisk across lower elevation valleys.

DISCUSSION

A hot and mostly dry weather pattern remains in place today as eastern Pacific troughing continues to direct dry, southwesterly flow into the region. However, winds this afternoon will be slightly stronger than usual in response to low pressure passing to the west, encouraging W/SW gusts of 25-35 mph from far NE California into NW Nevada. These increased breezes will make for rougher waters and more hazardous boating conditions on lakes in these areas -- Eagle Lake, Honey Lake, Frenchman Lake, Pyramid Lake to name a few -- as well as elevated to critical fire weather conditions this afternoon (more details below). Farther southeast, residual moisture will support a low 15-30% chance of showers and thunderstorms from Mono County into the W NV Basin & Range. Elsewhere, dry weather prevails with daytime highs in the upper 80s in the Sierra, and upper 90s into the triple digits in lower elevation valleys.

Minimal change in the weather pattern will result in very similar conditions this weekend, including renewed recreation and fire impacts as gusty winds return each afternoon. Similar shower and storm chances remain confined to Mono County and parts of the W NV Basin & Range this weekend, then dry weather is favored during the first half of next week. While temperatures moderate a bit, this weekend into early next week will continue to be hot with highs in the mid to upper 80s/90s so be sure to stay hydrated and limit time in the heat.

-Salas

AVIATION

Increasing W/SW gusts of 20-30 kts may pose minor LLWS impacts this afternoon, and again Saturday afternoon. There is also a 10-20% chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms at KMMH and KHTH this afternoon. Otherwise, widespread VFR conditions prevail into the weekend.

-Salas

FIRE WEATHER

A 3 to 6 hour (up to 7 hours locally) overlap of W/SW gusts of 25-35 mph and RH reductions below 15% remains on track to unfold this afternoon and Saturday afternoon across far NE California and NW Nevada (including the Biscar and Macy fires) where a Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 1 PM today until 9 PM Saturday. It's worth noting that strongest winds will be confined to the afternoon hours with light, terrain-driven winds overnight. Nighttime recoveries will be moderate to poor in these areas each night with RH struggling to exceed 30-40% in W Nevada.

Elevated to critical wind/RH is possible Sunday afternoon in a similar area. A Fire Weather Watch was issued to address this potential fire threat.

-Salas

REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories

NV...Red Flag Warning from 1 PM this afternoon to 9 PM PDT Saturday NVZ458.

Fire Weather Watch from Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening NVZ420-458.

Red Flag Warning from 1 PM this afternoon to 9 PM PDT Saturday NVZ420.

CA...Red Flag Warning from 1 PM this afternoon to 9 PM PDT Saturday CAZ270-278.

Fire Weather Watch from Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening CAZ270-278.