Carson City area weather: Threat of critical fire conditions prompt Red Flag warning for Tahoe and Sierra
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 09/09/2021 - 1:08pm
With the potential for thunderstorms, gusty winds and low humidity throughout the Sierra and at Lake Tahoe, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Thursday through Friday night.
Thunderstorms will move through the region Thursday night into Friday morning. Dry lightning strikes and gusty outflow winds are possible. There is potential for wetting rains in some of the stronger showers and thunderstorms.
The Red Flag Warning is for the following areas: Greater Lake Tahoe and Truckee, Western and Eastern Lassen, Eastern Plumas and Eastern Sierra counties. It includes the areas where the Caldor Fire and Dixie Fire are being fought.
Winds will increase through Thursday night, especially in the higher terrain and over ridge lines. The weather service says winds will be from the southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph Thursday night into Friday. Gusts may exceed 60 mph in the higher elevations around the Tahoe Basin. Humidity will be between 15 to 25 percent Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, in the lower valley areas around Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley, afternoon breezes will increase Thursday with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds will be somewhat stronger Friday as a cold front moves through the region. The weather service advises of gusts in the 25 to 40 mph range most of the day. This will bring choppy conditions to area lakes along with enhanced fire danger and travel difficulties for high profile vehicles.
Chances for showers and thunderstorms increase Thursday afternoon into Friday morning. The best storm potential will be Thursday night and Friday morning near and north of I-80. Storms will likely produce spotty amounts of rainfall with brief downpours and dry lightning strikes possible. If you have outdoor plans, be sure to have a "plan B" and a way to get to safety should a storm develop near you, the weather service advises.
Smoke impacts will remain downwind of the Caldor and Dixie fires. Smoke and haze should clear in across most areas by Friday as increasing winds promote smoke dispersion. Smoke impacts for this weekend are uncertain and will depend on fire activity after this system passes.
