Carson City area weekend weather: Hot, smoky with a chance of thunderstorms
Expect smoky skies, hot temperatures and a chance for thunderstorms this weekend around Carson City and the western Nevada region, the National Weather Service says.
Hot afternoon temperatures and increased moist air may bring a slight chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms through Saturday. Wildfire smoke will continue to degrade air quality across the region. Next week looks dry with cooler temperatures and some afternoon breezes, according to the weather service.
For the lower valleys around Carson City, Douglas, Washoe, Storey and Lyon counties, daytime highs will be near 100 degrees through Sunday. Highs will be near 90 in the Sierra and in the Lake Tahoe Basin, according to NWS forecasters. Minor heat health impacts are possible for those planning to be outdoors for an extended period of time the next few days in the lower valleys.
The heat may allow for thunderstorm conditions to develop over the next few days. Thunderstorm chances, around 15-25 percent, should remain along the Sierra, northeast California and into far western Nevada. Forecasters advise the possibility of spot flash flooding with burn scars being the main threat area if a thunderstorm develops over one of them. The storms could create gusty outflow winds over 40 mph, and some dry lightning strikes outside of the rain cores, according to forecasters.
Smoke will continue throughout the region, and with the lack of wind, there won't be much of a shot of clearing or improved air quality, forecasters say.
The following is a special statement from the weather service about what to expect this weekend when it comes to smoke and heat:
Wildfire smoke from the Dixie fire and other area wildfires west of the Sierra will continue to produce smoke and haze for much of northern California and Nevada. In addition, temperatures will be around 100 degrees for many of the hotter valleys and close to 90 degrees in Sierra communities. Several days of heat along with the smoke may exacerbate heat health symptoms.
Bottom line: Air quality impacts will likely persist along with elevated heat impacts. Consider having some contingency plans if you were planning on being outdoors for extended periods.
Here are a few other tips from the Washoe County Air Quality Management Division:
1. Reduce or stop outdoor activity and stay inside.
2. Keep AC on if available, the fresh-air intake closed, filter clean, and windows closed.
3. Pay attention to air quality on AirNow.gov.
4. Follow the advice of your doctor, especially those with heart or lung disease.
For more tips on how to keep yourself and others safe, check with your local air quality district. The latest air quality measurements are available at www.airnow.gov