FXUS65 KREV 072129 AFDREV Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Reno NV 129 PM PST Wed Jan 7 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... * Breezy west winds develop today ahead of the next storm with recreation and aviation impacts possible with gusty ridge winds. * The next storm arrives this evening into Thursday morning, setting us up for light mountain and valley snow potential. * Warmer, drier weather returning through at least the end of next week. && .DISCUSSION... * As of 12 PM, isolated light snow showers are still impacting Donner Pass and Echo Summit. The camera networks and Colfax snow level profiler currently show snow levels around 6,000 feet. Other than the light snow over the passes, the rest of the region is dry and chilly with afternoon temperatures in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Winds did reach into the 50-80 mph range earlier this morning, but have since subsided this afternoon. However, winds are still elevated on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and the Lake Wind Advisories will remain in effect until 7 AM Thursday. * Now for the more impactful weather in store for tonight into Thursday morning. A fairly strong cold front is still poised to impact western NV and the eastern Sierra. Although this front is moisture starved since the airmass origin is from the north, the models are showing a tropopause fold (or PV Fold). What the PV Fold does is it provides an upper-level dynamical forcing mechanism that can increase frontogenesis in the lower atmosphere. This can result in a stronger cold front, more significant/organized precipitation, and stronger winds. * A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for western NV; including the greater Reno metro area, the inner basins, and south into Mineral County. As for timing, mostly snow showers will start in eastern Lassen, central Washoe, and northern Pershing by around 7 to 9 PM. Snowfall will then move into the Reno area and along I-80 eastward into Pershing/Churchill counties by around 10 PM to 12 AM. After that, snow moves into Douglas/Lyon by around Midnight to 3 AM. Snow then finally hits Mineral/southern Lyon counties by 3-5 AM. Although below advisory amounts, snow will be falling in the eastern Sierra tonight into Thursday morning. Please go to www.weather.gov/rev/winter for more forecast information. As is often the case with banded precipitation events is that one area could get 2-4" or higher, while another area nearby may just receive a trace. But, due to the timing, the morning commute will experience travel issues. * After this system passes through, a ridge of high pressure builds back into the region into the weekend. We'll have some cold winter days through Saturday, and a slow warmup by Sunday/Monday. -McKellar && .AVIATION... * Surface winds will be increasing today, with sustained winds for western Nevada terminals reaching 15-20 kts after 21z. LLWS and mountain wave activity will be intermittent this evening through early tomorrow as ridges gust to 60 kts after 00z. * The potential for snow showers returns after Thursday 6z with local visibility reductions possible and light snow accumulations. However, banded snowfall may reduce visibility rapidly, and result in locally heavy snow rates and quick snow accumulations. HRICH/McKellar && .REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories... NV...Lake Wind Advisory from 8 PM this evening to 7 AM PST Thursday NVZ002. Winter Weather Advisory from 1 AM to 10 AM PST Thursday NVZ001. Winter Weather Advisory from 9 PM this evening to 7 AM PST Thursday NVZ003-004. Lake Wind Advisory from 8 PM this evening to 10 AM PST Thursday NVZ004. CA...Lake Wind Advisory from 8 PM this evening to 7 AM PST Thursday CAZ072. && $$