Carson City weather: Critical fire concerns persist, near freezing low temps to make brief return
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 06/07/2021 - 3:11pm
Critical fire weather conditions will continue across much of western Nevada and the Eastern Sierra on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings, along with a significant cool down in temperatures through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The highest fire risk areas will be east of Highway 95 in Nevada and the Eastern Sierra south of Bridgeport on Tuesday. The concern area then shifts southward on Wednesday, with the biggest winds and low humidities south of Highway 50, according to NWS forecasters. Forecast peak wind gusts 30 to 45 mph noon to 11 p.m. each day.
For the latest details, including timing and exact fire zones, read the Red Flag Warning here. Peak southwest winds of 30-45 mph (localized higher gusts for wind-prone areas) with humidity below 15% during the afternoons/evenings through Wednesday for the impacted locations.
The weather service advises people to take precautions to avoid sparking a fire, including avoiding outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires. Follow local fire restrictions and check weather.gov/reno for weather updates and livingwithfire.com for preparedness tips.
Cooler temperatures ahead
While fire danger remains high, temperatures will see an abrupt cool down, with daytime highs dropping into the 60s and 70s for lower valleys Tuesday through Thursday, and into the 50s to around 60 for Sierra valleys, forecasters say. This is a 25-30 degree drop from the record highs we were seeing last week.
Overnight lows Thursday morning will be rather chilly and could easily drop near or even below freezing in outlying suburban valleys, such as the Cold Spring Valley, Carson Valley, Mason Valley, and possibly Washoe Valley, forecasters say. Valleys in the Sierra will almost certainly be below freezing. Forecasters advise Irrigation systems and sensitive vegetation may need protecting.
"The cool down will be for a brief period, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Thursday morning being the coldest morning, and then warming up Friday," said Amanda Young, NWS meteorologist.
"Carson City, and Carson Valley on Tuesday are expected to be in the low 70s, with lows Wednesday morning in the low 40s," she said. "Thursday morning being the coldest morning, most definitely, with temperatures in Carson City to hover around freezing, while some areas of Carson Valley — in the lowest areas — could be below freezing."
The weather is expected to warm up again by Friday, she said.
