Area Forecast Discussion

KEY MESSAGES

* High Wind Warning for Central Nevada today

* Wind Advisory for Northeastern Nevada today

* Periods of precipitation this evening through Wednesday evening

* Much cooler Wednesday

UPDATE

Issued at 1202 AM PDT Tue Apr 21 2026

The current forecast is on track. No updates are planned.

DISCUSSION

(Today through Monday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: Winds will increase today, with a High Wind Warning in effect in Central Nevada and a Wind Advisory in effect for Northeastern Nevada. Winds will be from the south, with gusts up to 60 mph expected in the warning area and 45-50 mph in the advisory area. Blowing dust is also anticipated with the wind and may reduce visibility to as low as one mile in some areas. High temperatures will be in the 70s, however a cold front associated with the low will be passing through the area beginning this afternoon and temperatures behind the front will be in the 40s. Showers are also expected behind the front, and some isolated thunderstorms will be possible in the initial hours. Showers are expected to be mainly rain in valleys and lower elevations, however some mixed precipitation or overnight snow cannot be ruled out. Any lower elevation snow will be short lived however due to seasonal insolation and daytime temperatures in the 50s for Wednesday. Precipitation exits the area by Thursday and temperatures warm again, with daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s and overnight lows in the 20s and 30s. Model guidance is still showing signs of more showers this weekend, however this is currently a low confidence, high variability situation.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE & DEVIATIONS: Winds were increased slightly for today due to a history of NBM winds being too low in high wind setups. High confidence for strong winds today. High confidence in periods of precipitation this evening through Wednesday evening.

AVIATION

Winds will increase at all sites today. As a result, there is a chance of lowered visibility and ceilings due to blowing dust at times. Otherwise, ceilings and precipitation are not expected to be a factor for flight categories in the next 24 hours.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

Wind Advisory from 10 AM to 11 PM PDT Tuesday NVZ031-033-034-036-038-039.

High Wind Warning from 10 AM to 11 PM PDT Tuesday NVZ035-037-040-041.