Fire danger is a possibility in northern Nevada all year long, but the risk typically gets higher over the summer as temperatures warm and vegetation dries out. Thursday will be windy with gusts over 30mph, and plenty of chop on our lakes. Relative humidity will also be low, allowing for more evaporation. Fire danger will near critical levels on Thursday and Friday, but our saving grace is the rain and snow we've received lately. The image below is from https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/predictive/FuelStatus/index.php
While our fuels are drying out, they still have enough green in them to stay below critical levels for now. Doesn't take a long stretch of hot weather to really dry everything out. Even though our fuels are below critical levels, fire danger is still there, just not as big of a threat as it could be.
An area of low pressure will move through the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, increasing our winds in Northern Nevada. Skies will remain clear and no rain will fall in Reno, but fire danger will be higher. Wind gusts will be in the 30's on Thursday, but wind prone areas could see wind gusts closer to 40mph. A Lake Wind Advisory is up for both Tahoe and Pyramid on Thursday, from 11am through 8pm that evening. Wind gusts could reach 35mph and wave heights will range from two to three feet. There will be less wind over the weekend, but it also will be warmer with the typical Washoe Zephyr kicking in. A second low will drop in on Friday, keeping wind speeds near 30 to 40 mph.
The more prepared you are the better. This includes having a plan for your pets. Do you know of someone who could house your pets while you evacuate? Not every shelter allows them. They will need an emergency kit as well, with water and food. Now is the time to make sure your furry friends are up to date with their vaccinations as well. Some shelters won't allow pets unless they have proof of vaccination.
