Dense smoke from southern Sierra fire continues around Carson region; Red Flag Warning goes up for Monday

UPDATE 3:05PM: Areas of smoke and haze from wildfires will persist into Monday with improved conditions expected Monday night through Wednesday, forecasters say. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity, from 1 p.m. Monday to 11 a.m. Tuesday for much of the Carson City region.
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After a night washed out with a deep sepia haze resulting from the Creek Fire burning in the southern Sierra, the dense smoke that made its way into northern and western Nevada Saturday night that caused degraded air quality throughout the region now appears to be lifting, according to the National Weather Service.

The Creek Fire is burning north of Shaver Lake, Calif., approximately 31 air miles from Fresno. Winds shifted the smoke north Saturday afternoon and evening, giving the setting sun from the Lake Tahoe Basin, Carson City, Carson Valley and Lyon County and eerie glow. As of Sunday morning, while still smokey outside, especially at Lake Tahoe, it isn't as bad as it was Saturday evening.

As of around 5 a.m. Sunday, airnow.org shows "moderate" air quality from Reno to Carson City. Of course that could change with any shifting of the wind and other fires happening in California.

A dense smoke advisory has been issued for Mono County through noon Sunday, with smoke simulations showing improvement. Outside of Mono County, sensors indicate mostly much better air quality so far this morning although there is some degradation in the Antelope and Mason valleys as well as across far northeast California.

Smoke and haze will be with us for the remainder of the holiday weekend, according to the weather service. After a wind shift to north and east winds Monday night into Tuesday, most areas should see a period of improved visibility/air quality except for areas of southern Alpine County and northern Mono County southwest and west of the Slink Fire.

Meanwhile, a Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday night for much of Northern and Western Nevada including the greater Reno area, Carson City, Carson Valley, Lyon and Mineral counties. Temperatures upper 90s to low 100s for valleys this afternoon. Record high temperatures are likely.

The weather service advises that hot temperatures could result in heat health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations and for those outdoors in the sun for extended periods of time. Since this is a holiday weekend, many people will be outdoors recreating and that could increase risk of heat illness incidents. Smoke could also exacerbate the heat health impacts as it may prevent those without air conditioning from cooling their homes overnight.

Forecasters advise people to consider consider indoor or morning "Plan B" alternative activities this weekend. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Temperatures are expected to fall into the 60s and 70s by around midnight before falling into the mid 50s to mid 60s by daybreak. This should help ease heat health impacts.

With the heat, low humidity and changes in wind patterns due to an arriving system, the weather service has issued a Fire Weather Watch from Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening. Winds will be from the northwest on Monday, shifting to northeast overnight and into Tuesday. Sustained winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts 25 to 35 mph for both days.

Strongest gusts will be felt in northern Washoe County and east of US-95 in western Nevada. Winds will weaken a bit overnight for valley and mid slope locations, increasing again on Tuesday. Sierra ridges will continue to gust overnight with possible gusts to 40 mph.

Humidity will be anywhere between 10 to 15 percent with some locations in western Nevada in the single digits, with poor humidity recoveries during overnight hours, according to the weather service.

The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before firs responders can contain them. The weather service advises to avoid 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 updates and livingwithfire.info for preparedness tips.

See Carsonweather.com for the latest weather updates.