Carson City area weather: Gusty winds Thursday; light valley rain, Sierra snow possible by weekend
Periods of gusty winds have moved into the Carson City, Carson Valley area Thursday morning as part of a weak weather system passing through. By Saturday there's a chance for valley rain and high elevation snow showers, with more unsettled weather ahead late Sunday night into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Breezy conditions are expected Thursday around Carson City. At this time there are not any wind advisories for the greater Reno, Carson City, Carson Valley area. However, farther north in northern Washoe County, Gerlach and near Susanville, a Wind Advisory is in effect through 5 p.m. Thursday.
Elsewhere, hazardous choppy conditions are forecast for Lake Tahoe with periods of chop possible for Pyramid Lake, especially from midday through early afternoon Thursday.
There is increasing potential for an active pattern to return this weekend into early next week. While timing and intensity details will be refined over the next few days, the National Weather Service in Reno offers a few highlights:
A fast-moving storm will bring increased breezes and chances for rain and high elevation snow showers on Saturday. The next stronger storm will push into the region late Monday into Tuesday. While these storms likely won't be as strong as our late October atmospheric river storm, they will be additional chances to pick up some beneficial precipitation.
Saturday will be a quick-hitter with some light rain potential for lower valleys and some high elevation snowfall. Outdoor recreation and sporting events will feel cool with cloud cover, some light showers, and breezes through the afternoon. Travel over passes may be slick with rain/snow showers.
The first half of next week continues to look unsettled with periods of gusty winds and valley rain, mountain snow possible starting Sunday night. The best chances for moderate-to-heavy precipitation rates are west of Highway 395 from Monday evening through Tuesday morning.
East of Highway 395 precipitation rates may be much lighter. Snow levels could be around 6,000 to 7,000 feet through Monday night before rising around 1,000 feet Tuesday, so mountain passes west of Highway 395 are likely to see winter driving conditions at times.
With extensive cloud cover and a West Coast trough, we expect cooler temperatures Sunday through Tuesday, with highs in the 50s for Western Nevada and in the 40s for most Sierra communities.
Check back for updates.