textproduct: Reno

KEY MESSAGES

* Near record high temperatures will produce moderate HeatRisk across lower valleys today and Tuesday.

* Gusty winds and low shower chances are anticipated Tuesday and Wednesday. Strong outflow winds possible Tuesday afternoon.

* Dry weather with above average temperatures expected later this week followed by some cooling for the weekend.

DISCUSSION

Southwest US high pressure will support another hot day today (with similar temperatures again Tuesday) as daytime highs reach the upper 70s to 80s for Sierra communities and upper 80s to near 95 in lower valleys. Skies will be mostly sunny with afternoon cumulus along higher terrain and into west central NV, and a broad swath of thinner cirrus regionwide.

High pressure will translate eastward after today, allowing an eastern Pacific low to approach and eventually traverse the Pacific Northwest by Thursday. Winds begin to increase Tuesday in response to the approaching low with strongest SW/W gusts of 35-45 mph overspreading Lassen/the Surprise Valley and far N Washoe County in the afternoon. Be prepared for wind impacts to travel and recreation in this area, including choppy lake waters. Elsewhere, afternoon wind gusts will vary in the 25-35 mph range.

A caveat to this is the potential for locally strong outflow winds from Mono County into western NV where latest CAM guidance depicts elevated convection in the late afternoon and evening. This scenario does merit some attention as forecast soundings reveal a favorable environment for strong outflow winds (gusts 40+ mph), characterized by a deep, well-mixed subcloud layer beneath shallow mid-level moisture--which, more broadly, is downstream of a secondary, weak low offshore of southern CA. Limited depth of convection suggests that lightning is unlikely, but an isolated strike or two may accompany taller updrafts.

Wednesday will offer more widespread gusty winds with a slight uptick in shower activity as the eastern Pacific low moves inland. The timing of the low's passage does introduce some uncertainty in how strong winds will become Wednesday (weaker winds with a faster progression, stronger with a slower progression), but be prepared for renewed wind impacts through the afternoon in any case. Wednesday has also trended a bit drier with best shower chances (10-20%) in the eastern Sierra and near the OR border. Warmer and drier weather is favored to end the week, with perhaps another cooldown over the weekend.

-Salas

AVIATION

Widespread VFR conditions and typical afternoon breezes (SW/W gusts of 20-25 kts) will prevail today. Similar conditions in store for Tuesday, with the exception of stronger FL100 winds from Tahoe northward and a slight uptick in surface gusts during the afternoon.

-Salas

CLIMATE

Both climate sites set new record high temperatures yesterday for the May 10th date. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport recorded a high of 92 F, breaking the old record of 88 F set in 1934. South Lake Tahoe, CA recorded a high of 79 F, breaking the old record of 75 F set in 2025.

Current record high temperatures for Reno, NV that have potential to be broken or tied (Today & Tuesday):

May 11: 90F, set in 2001 and 2013. May 12: 89F, set in 1959 and 2013.

Current record high temperatures for South Lake Tahoe, CA that have potential to be broken or tied (Today & Tuesday):

May 11: 78F, set in 2013. May 12: 79F, set in 1988 and 1996.

REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories

NV...None. CA...Lake Wind Advisory from 11 AM to 8 PM PDT Tuesday CAZ071.