Carson City area weather: Gusty winds, low humidity prompt Red Flag warning
Gusty winds and low humidity expected Tuesday has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag weather warning for western Nevada, the Sierra Front and Eastern Sierra.
The warning is from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters say winds will be out of the southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to around 40 mph and humidity between 5 and 15 percent. Higher gusts possible in wind prone areas and along exposed terrain.
Affected areas including the Lake Tahoe Basin, Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Washoe, Lyon, Mineral and Churchill counties, and the west Humboldt Basin in Pershing County, as well as Lassen County, Alpine County, and Mono County in California.
The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them, according to the weather service. Forecasters advise people to void outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires. Follow local fire restrictions.
Temperatures will fall to well below normal by Wednesday behind the front, rising back to around seasonal normals by late week and for the weekend. Major smoke relief from northern California fires is anticipated Wednesday and Thursday under north to east flow, according to the weather service.
Check weather.gov/reno for updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.