Gusty winds, threat of thunderstorms prompt Fire Weather Watch for Carson City region
Gusty winds, low humidity and the threat of thunderstorms have prompted the National Weather Service in Reno to issue a Fire Weather Watch for Carson City, Carson Valley and much of the Northern Sierra Front beginning Tuesday afternoon and extending into Wednesday evening.
For Tuesday: West winds 10-20 mph with gusts to 30 mph with outflow winds near thunderstorms to 50 mph. For Wednesday: West winds 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Afternoon humidities between 11 and 17 percent each day. Recoveries Tuesday night 50-70 percent in most valleys with 25-35 percent on mid-slopes.
Scattered but mainly wet and slow moving storms Monday, becoming faster moving and more prone to new fire starts Tuesday. No thunderstorms forecast Wednesday in the watch area.
This is a classic fire weather pattern with lightning potentially creating new fires followed by thunderstorm outflows, gusty zephyr winds, and drier air resulting in fire spread, according to the National Weather Service, which advises we should be prepared for a busy period of new fires if the forecast pans out.
Forecaster confidence in this scenario remains medium as predicting thunderstorm coverage and impacts this far out can be an iffy proposition.
The weather service advises people to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires. Follow local fire restrictions. Check carsonweather.com for updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.