textproduct: Reno

KEY MESSAGES

* Light winds and valley inversions will keep hazy skies and air quality reductions into this weekend, with patchy freezing fog in some Sierra valleys.

* Breezy to gusty east winds continue for Sierra ridges through Friday morning.

* Dry weather prevails through the upcoming week with above average daytime temperatures and typical chilly nights, although inversions may weaken next week.

DISCUSSION

This quiescent weather pattern will continue through at least early next week across much of the area as upper level ridging builds further over the PacNW. As per usual, we can expect light winds, valley inversions, hazy skies, localized air quality reductions, and warming temperatures. Sunday looks to be the warmest day of the week with afternoon highs 10-15 degrees above normal; this means many locations will be flirting with the upper 50s, possibly near 60 in some areas. Easterly winds may also gust up to 45 mph along ridges through Friday.

The main exception to this forecast will be seen in localized Sierra valleys, namely around Mono Lake and the Martis Valley. Latest satellite imagery shows a persistent layer of clouds over Mono Lake and when looking at road cameras, you can see a thick blanket of freezing fog. This is expected to continue through at least the remainder of the week due to strong inversions. Afternoon highs may reach above freezing, but expect cold temperatures in the area each day. This fog may also produce slick road conditions, with reports of depositing snow in the area as well. As for the Martis Valley, freezing fog will be of concern in the early morning hours before burning off by noon. Other locations near streams, standing water, or agricultural areas may also see localized periods of fog each morning.

Zonal flow looks to return by Wednesday of next week as the center of high pressure pushes north into Alaska. This will bring the return of westerly flow which will likely mix things up, literally and figuratively, allowing for those strong inversions to disperse. A trough may start to influence the area next weekend but concrete details are still in the works.

-Giralte

AVIATION

VFR conditions expected for all terminals through much of the week. KTRK can expect FZFG again from 06-16Z tonight. Strong inversions may limit slantwise visibilities for Sierra terminals this week, as well.

-Giralte

REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories

NV...None. CA...None.