textproduct: Reno

KEY MESSAGES

* Record-shattering heat today, followed by cooler, still above average temperatures this weekend.

* Breezy afternoon winds with impacts to recreation and travel return Saturday.

* Warmer than normal temperatures likely persist next week with breezy conditions likely each afternoon.

DISCUSSION

Our historic March heat episode peaks today as daytime highs will be just as warm yesterday -- if not a degree or two warmer. Afternoon temperatures peak in the mid to upper 70s for Sierra communities, and in the mid to upper 80s across valleys of NE California and W Nevada. Area waterways will continue to run fast and cold, so avoid cooling off in them.

Remarkably strong high pressure responsible for this week's record heat will dampen this weekend as low pressure quickly passes to our north. Temperatures will steadily cool over the weekend in response, bringing daytime highs into the mid 60s and mid 70s. Despite this cooling trend, temperatures will still be 15-20F above seasonal averages with more daily records possible on Saturday. Breezy winds also return Saturday afternoon with W/NW gusts of 25 to 35 mph posing impacts to recreation and air/ground travel.

High pressure briefly rebuilds across the western states early next week, giving us another opportunity for record-setting temperatures Monday and Tuesday. This high pressure won't be as intense as its predecessor, and should allow stronger winds aloft to support breezy afternoons each day next week -- especially Wednesday. Blended guidance paints widespread 30-50% odds of wind gusts reaching or exceeding 30 mph Monday and Tuesday afternoons, increasing to 40-80% on Wednesday. Otherwise, we'll continue to be devoid of any meaningful rain or snow through at least the end of next week.

-Salas

AVIATION

Record-breaking heat and density altitude concerns continue today, but cooler temperatures this weekend should mitigate any impacts. Otherwise, widespread VFR conditions prevail into the weekend.

Winds increase Saturday afternoon with W/NW gusts of 15-25 kts presenting LLWS and mountain wave turbulence impacts.

-Salas

CLIMATE

* Monthly record set at Reno:

- Reno, NV: New record of 86F. The old monthly record was 83F on 3/31/1966

* Monthly record set at South Lake Tahoe:

- South Lake Tahoe, CA: New record of 76F. The old monthly record was 71F on 3/30/2015

New daily record high temperatures and the previous daily record high temperatures for Reno and South Lake Tahoe:

Date Reno NV South Lake Tahoe CA ---- ------------ ------------------- 3/17 82F (old 78F in 2007) 69F (old 65F in 2007) 3/18 86F (old 77F in 1947) 76F (old 63F in 2004) 3/19 85F (old 77F in 1997) 72F (old 65F in 2015) 3/20 81F - 2004 68F - 1997 3/21 80F - 2004 68F - 1997 3/22 77F - 2004 65F - 2004 3/23 77F - 202266F - 2022 3/24 80F - 202265F - 2022 3/25 81F - 202267F - 2022

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Current record warmest low temperatures for Reno and South Lake Tahoe (no new records so far):

Date Reno NV South Lake Tahoe CA ---- ------------ ------------------- 3/18 48F - 1904 37F - 2021 3/19 46F - 2013 38F - 2013 3/20 47F - 2013 35F - 2013 3/21 46F - 2015 38F - 1972 3/22 50F - 201240F - 2012 3/23 46F - 200040F - 1998 3/24 45F - 200640F - 1986 3/25 52F - 189338F - 2008

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REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories

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