The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a weather alert as a cold front approaches Northern Nevada, bringing significant changes to the region. On Sunday, expect gusty southwest winds, creating choppy conditions on lakes and raising localized critical fire weather concerns. The winds will not be as intense as those experienced earlier in the week, but they will still pose challenges.
Starting Sunday night and continuing into Monday, temperatures are set to drop dramatically as a colder air mass moves in. Rain and high elevation snow are anticipated, with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms. While there is some variability in forecasts, models suggest that west-central Nevada will experience the heaviest precipitation, with snow levels potentially dropping to around 6,000 feet. The Tahoe Basin and northeastern California may see particularly impactful weather, including heavier precipitation and concerns for areas with recent burn scars.
Monday’s weather will be a stark contrast to recent conditions, with temperatures about 20-25 degrees below normal, resembling late October averages. The combination of rain, snow, and breezy northwest winds will make for challenging conditions, especially for those venturing into the backcountry.