Gusty Winds and Elevated Fire Weather Concerns Possible Sunday - Monday

Reno Discussion:
KEY POINTS
· Light Snow Showers Sat Night into Sun: A reminder it’s still winter - but not a big reminder. Weak passing low pressure brings dusting snow amounts to areas N of I-80 into NE California. Can’t rule out isolated travel impacts at night but not looking too menacing.
· Winds: Same system brings breezy SW winds to ridges Saturday, turning them NE on Sunday into Monday. Could see rather strong winds along Sierra crest Sun night into Mon. Could affect ski area operations and result in rough water on Lake Tahoe.
· Otherwise… Not much else to talk about. Quiet weather with light winds and limited ventilation today and again early next week. Some potential for a slider type snow/wind late next week. Blocking ridge of high pressure developing off the west coast heavily favors below normal precipitation through mid-month.
Important Changes to the Forecast
· Increased confidence for light snow showers Saturday into Sunday mainly north of Interstate 80.
· Increased confidence for breezy conditions along the Sierra crest and upper elevations Saturday night through Tuesday.
Sacramento Discussion:
 

Gusty Winds and Elevated Fire Weather Concerns Possible Sunday - Monday
National Weather Service - Sacramento
9:00 am, December 4, 2020


KEY POINTS  

• Gusty north to east winds with locally elevated fire weather concerns Sunday through Monday
• Slight chance of showers late Saturday - early Sunday morning over the Coastal Range, northern Sierra, and far northern Sacramento Valley (added)

 
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Impacts

• Elevated fire weather concerns due to gusty and dry conditions could result in easier fire starts and easier spread of new fires
• Breezy conditions could impact unsecured items

 
Forecast Confidence

• Low for wind strength and fire weather concerns

 
Timing
 

• Saturday night - early Sunday morning (added)
  • Slight chance of scattered showers over the Coastal Range, northern Sierra, and far northern Sacramento Valley (see WeekendShowers.png)
    • Little to no accumulation expected
• Sunday - Monday
  • Breezy north to east winds, strongest late Sunday - Monday (updated; see WindGust.png)
    • Sacramento Valley: Gusts 15-25 mph (added)
    • Mountains & foothills: Gusts 25-40 mph, locally higher in wind prone areas (added)
  • Afternoon relative humidity values 20 to 40%
  • Elevated fire weather concerns for portions of the Valley, mountains, and foothills

 
Weather Summary
A weak weather system will move through northern California Saturday, producing a slight chance of scattered showers late Saturday night through early Sunday morning for the Coastal Range, northern Sierra, and far northern Sacramento Valley. Most communities can expect to remain dry. Gusty winds are forecast to increase Sunday into Monday as this weather system moves to the east of the forecast area. With low daytime relative humidities and dry fuels, these gusty winds could create elevated fire weather concerns for portions of the Sacramento Valley, mountains, and foothills. Confidence is low at this time in the strength and location of the gusty winds, so keep an eye out for forecast updates. Otherwise, dry weather, daytime temperatures around 5-15 degrees above normal, and cool nights will continue through next week.