textproduct: Reno

KEY MESSAGES

* Hot and dry conditions prevail through next week, with triple digit heat in lower valleys for most days.

* Areas of haze and smoke from current active fires could reduce air quality at times in parts of far northwest and west central NV, with patchy smoke also near and east of the Elephant Fire. * Typical afternoon winds are expected each day, producing short periods of elevated fire weather concerns in isolated areas.

DISCUSSION

The first day of more widespread triple digit heat in lower elevations arrives this afternoon and peaks Saturday. Heat Advisories continue for portions of west central NV especially along parts of US-95 and US-50 where low temperatures aren't as cool (upper 60s-lower 70s). While far western NV isn't quite at heat advisory levels due to cooler overnight lows in the mid 50s-lower 60s, Reno's current record highs of 103 for today and Saturday are within reach. For Sierra communities, highs around 90 degrees prevail through the upcoming week.

Temperatures in lower elevations ease back a bit Sunday and dip below 100 degrees in most valleys as the high pressure ridge near the Four Corners region edges southward. However, triple digit heat is poised to return for the remainder of next week from Tuesday onward, with latest blended guidance indicating highs similar to Saturday's levels for at least one day next week. The battleground between potential shortwave trough passages across the Pacific NW and the northward expansion of the southwest US ridge continues to fluctuate with daily guidance, so next week's temperature range still spans a few degrees above or below the current forecast.

This isn't our first period of 100 degree temperatures this summer but heat safety remains just as important: stay hydrated, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and if outdoors take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning. Also remember to look before you lock your vehicles, making sure not to leave children or pets behind.

Afternoon SW-W breezes continue near typical zephyr-type levels for most days through next week, with gusts mainly near 25 mph and isolated short-duration gusts to 30 mph near and north of I-80. When combined with continued low afternoon humidity and poor overnight recovery especially for western NV midslopes and thermal belts, expect elevated fire weather concerns during these afternoon breezy periods. Given the wind pattern and current fire activity, areas affected by smoke and haze at times through Saturday include far eastern Churchill County (from the New Pass Fire), far northwest NV/Surprise Valley (from fires in Oregon), and the valleys north of Reno-Sparks (from the Elephant Fire).

Weather wise, dry conditions with minimal cloud cover continue for the upcoming week. Afternoon cumulus buildups are projected to return mainly south of US-50 by mid-late next week, but warm air aloft and absence of sufficient forcing are likely to limit vertical growth.

Longer range outlooks hint at increasing monsoonal moisture into the Great Basin near or after August 10, but western NV appears to be on the fringe or just outside of the moisture surge at this time. These outlooks also project a gradual weakening of the ridge with lower chances of triple digit heat persisting through the second week of August. MJD

AVIATION

* VFR conditions continue for all terminals through at least early next week, with daily afternoon SW-W wind gusts 20-25 kts mainly between 21z-04z. With temperatures peaking each afternoon through Saturday, density altitude concerns increase for the western NV terminals. MJD

REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories

NV...Heat Advisory until 8 AM PDT Sunday NVZ001-004.

CA...None.