Carson City area weather: Wind, rain and Sierra snow possible later this week
The pleasant, sunny warm weather around Carson City and Lake Tahoe region is expected to make an abrupt change beginning Wednesday as a series of storm systems will move into the area bringing wind, valley rain and the chance for Sierra snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Changes are expected to arrive Wednesday with a slight chance of thunder showers by afternoon and more of a chance Wednesday evening and a 70 percent chance of showers Thursday. High temperatures Thursday may only reach into the upper 50s to low 60s in valleys. For Carson City and Carson Valley, high temperatures Thursday will be in the upper 60s and by Friday, the upper 50s.
While clouds and wind are likely to keep overnight lows above freezing, a few colder pockets are possible in outlying valley locations which could affect sensitive vegetation. Below normal temperatures look to continue through the weekend, according to the weather service.
Periods of rain and snow are also likely beginning Wednesday, lasting through the weekend and possibly into the early part of next week. The most likely period for widespread showers and wetting rain will be on Thursday, with additional periods of showers throughout the weekend. See the weather advisory here.
Snow levels could fall to 6,000 feet at times with snow accumulation possible in mountain locations. Roadways could be impacted overnight, but given road temperatures during the day this time of the year, it is doubtful there will be any daytime accumulation, according to the weather service.
Highest elevations above 8,000 feet, 3-7 inches of heavy wet snow is possible, locally up to a foot along the Sierra crest of Mono County. Rain and snow showers will continue during the day Thursday before the colder portion of the storm moves in Thursday night. This could bring an additional 2-4 inches of snow above 7,000 feet with a dusting to an inch possible down to 6,000 feet.
Roadway accumulations will be significantly lower than what may accumulate in the high Sierra. Roads become quite warm during the day this time of the year and radiate out heat even into the night. Minor impacts are possible during the day for the highest passes (Mt Rose being the only one open at this time), otherwise any accumulation will be minor and during the overnight hours.
By Wednesday into Thursday, wind gusts of 25-40 mph are likely, with stronger winds possible by Sunday. Expect rough conditions on area lakes, travel difficulties for high profile vehicles in wind prone locations along Highways 395 and 95, and turbulence and mountain wave activity for aviation interests.
Anyone with outdoor plans Wednesday through the weekend may want to have a back-up option in place, the weather service advises.