textproduct: Reno

KEY MESSAGES

* A prolonged period of triple-digit heat across western NV and eastern CA valleys will continue into this weekend.

* Smoke and haze from regional wildfires could bring periods of reduced air quality at times through this week.

* Dry conditions persist in most areas this week, but low-end isolated shower and thunder chances may return Friday into this weekend for parts of the eastern Sierra and western NV.

DISCUSSION

August sure is bringing the heat as we settle into this new month. With our temperatures set to soar into the 100s today, our first in a series of Heat Advisories kicks off this morning, and will be the trend into the rest of the week. The ridge that is responsible for the heating trend will continue to amplify into the weekend, with the hottest temperatures forecasted for Saturday, when a 50-70% chance to reach 105 degrees exists over western Nevada valleys in locations such as Lovelock, Stillwater and Silver Springs. Elsewhere, in the Reno-Carson City-Minden area, highs will approach 100-102. The heat will even spread into northeastern California, where Susanville could top out around 103. With overnight lows in the mid 60s to low 70s, there will be little relief in even the cooler hours of the morning. Keep all heat safety reminders in mind this week as you get out for local events, or for one last hurrah of summer for those gearing up for the new school year.

Another thing to keep in mind as you are out and about in the area will be periods of smoke and haze from nearby fires. While the westerly winds will help to clear the smoke that was carried from the north on our recent northerly winds, it will also be carrying with it smoke from a newer fire in central California (Gann Fire). As for winds, the majority of the region will see typical zephyr winds today with gusts of 15-20 mph this afternoon.

A 5-20% chance for showers starts to appear on the Mono and Mineral county areas as early as Saturday, but Friday we may start to see the clouds and virga showers appear. Chances continue to spread northward on Sunday with some showers making it as far north as US-50. This introduction of shower potential may linger into next week, but where the showers will set up is less clear. There are signals of the ridge nudging eastward, which might take the monsoonal moisture along the periphery a bit to the east as well. HRICH

AVIATION

* VFR conditions continue today and Thursday, with westerly gusts of 15-20 kts developing this afternoon. KMMH may see gusts 20-25 kts this afternoon. Smoke and haze from area fires may impact slantwise visibility at times for KTRK/KTVL/KRNO/KCXP/KMEV. Increasing daytime high temperatures will result in density altitude concerns. HRICH

REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories

NV...Heat Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 8 AM PDT Sunday NVZ001- 003>005.

CA...Heat Advisory from 8 AM this morning to 8 AM PDT Sunday CAZ070- 071.