323
FXUS65 KREV 252013
AFDREV

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Reno NV
113 PM PDT Fri Apr 25 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

* A late season storm is bringing mountain snow, valley rain,
  thunderstorms, gusty winds, and much cooler weather today and
  lasts through the weekend.

* Prepare for occasional travel disruptions in and across the
  Sierra, as well as mountain passes in Mineral and Southern Lyon
  counties.

* Warmer and drier weather prevails early next week with chances of
  showers and storms returning by midweek.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

A low-pressure center is making it`s way toward the California
coast, where it is expected to drop a bit south before it crosses
the Sierra. The colder air, light showers and grey skies this
morning were a preview of this storm, which will be around the area
through Sunday evening. Let`s take a look at some storm specifics...

* PRECIPITATION: Snow levels will trend lower through the day, as
  this cool damp airmass settles in. Look for snow levels to drop to
  5,000 to 6,000 feet this evening, and remain there until around
  Sunday afternoon, when they finally climb above 6,000 feet. As
  such, a reinforcing shot of Sierra snow is developing, with the
  bulk of the snow arriving for Saturday. Below the snow lines, any
  snow or mix that accumulates on the ground will melt/dry off
  rather quickly due to recent warmth and high sun angle. Above the
  snow lines, today`s accumulations will be limited. Area passes may
  see up to 1 inch, while peaks such as Mt. Rose could grab an
  additional 2-3 inches. For Saturday, a 10 to 20% chance for an
  embedded lightning strike accompanies a 15 to 30% chance for
  showers. Snow levels will determine the precipitation type, so
  below 5000 feet, rain. Above 5000 feet, we could see snow amounts
  of up to a foot on the highest peaks, while Sierra passes could
  gather another 4 to 6 inches. Then Sunday, we could see an
  additional 2 to 3 inches on passes. Mountain tops such as Mt.Rose
  could add 2 to 4 inches on Sunday, since the bulk of the energy
  will be working eastward throughout Sunday afternoon and evening.

* WINDS: Mostly westerly with a nudge toward northwesterly winds
  Saturday and Sunday, with ridge gusts only around 20-25 mph for
  afternoons. Sunday looks a bit breezier, with ridge gusts
  approaching 30 mph across northwestern Nevada. Areas seeing
  precipitation this weekend will likely stay under light winds,
  with the exception being in the vicinity of any storm that
  develops, where gusty outflows may create a brief gusty period.

Beyond the weekend, we start a steady warming trend with the new
week. Temperatures across the area will climb to 70s and 80s for
western Nevada valleys, while Sierra locations will see 60s. A
showery pattern emerges at the end of April/ beginning of May. HRICH

&&

.AVIATION...


* A late season winter storm will spread lower elevation rain and
  higher elevation snow across the region this weekend, with peak
  rates tonight into Saturday morning. Most terminals will see
  periods of rain/snow throughout the weekend, with a 10-20% chance
  for afternoon thunderstorms. Widespread terrain obscuration due to
  lowering ceilings should be anticipated.

* While KRNO/KCXP/KMEV will remain rain, snow levels will fall
  tonight with snow anticipated at KTRK/KTVL/KMMH. However, the
  chances for accumulation will depend on time of day and rate, with
  tonight being the most likely chance (60%) for slushy accumulation
  of up to a couple inches.

* Generally, winds won`t be a major concern with peak gusts from the
  W/SW of 20-25 kts each afternoon and lighter terrain driven winds
  overnight. If thunderstorms do develop, gusty and erratic winds up
  to 35 kts are possible. -Dawn

&&

.REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories...
NV...Winter Weather Advisory from 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM PDT
     Sunday NVZ001-002.

CA...Winter Weather Advisory from 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM PDT
     Sunday CAZ072-073.

&&

$$