Carson City area weather: Mix of clouds with the potential for winter storms late in week
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 02/07/2021 - 11:05am
Increased clouds are expected to build around the Carson City region for the beginning of the week with mild temperatures Monday, the possibility of snow or rain showers Tuesday and the potential for winter storms Thursday through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters noted Sunday afternoon via Facebook that the chance for winter storms has increased, from late Thursday through Sunday across the Sierra Nevada, Western Nevada and Northeast California. Potential impacts include valley rain and snow, mountain snow and difficult travel.
NWS issued the following special weather statement regarding the upcoming changes:
Beginning late Tuesday, a series of weather systems will move through the Sierra and western Nevada. The first Tuesday into Wednesday is the weakest with stronger storms possible later Thursday into Friday and one for next weekend. Rain, snow, and gusty winds are possible with the later two storms.
WHAT WE KNOW: Three storms are likely to impact the region through next weekend. Tuesday into Wednesday is weak with minimal impacts aside from some very light Sierra snow. A stronger storm is likely late Thursday into Friday with valley rain, mountain snow and breezy winds. Confidence in some travel impacts due to snow in the Sierra is high with that storm. Another storm is possible next weekend.
WHAT IS UNCERTAIN: We have high confidence in the weak storm Tuesday into Wednesday. As for Thursday into Friday, while we have moderate to high confidence of a good storm, snow levels at onset and the area of greatest impact have yet to be determined. The snow levels look to start 5500-7000 feet, and where it starts will determine how much snow falls for the Sierra Valleys. The strength of the weekend storm is widely variable from a solid if not major storm to something fairly weak. Snow levels are also more variable with some accumulating snow on the valley floors possible.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: If you are planning travel for the holiday weekend, prepare for winter driving conditions. Monitor the forecast and if you can alter your travel plans as the forecast becomes clearer, please do to keep yourself as safe as possible.
