When temperatures soar well above average for over two days the National Weather Service calls it a heat wave. A heat wave can pose risks to our health as well as our infrastructure, including transportation, electrical grids, water resources, and agriculture. Average for this time of year in Reno is in the upper 70's, which means highs will be around twenty degrees above average on Friday and Saturday. We've been in the 90's since Wednesday. Overnight lows will be warm as well, only dropping into the lower 60's through Sunday morning. Lake Tahoe will be in the lower to mid 80's on Friday and Saturday. If we make it up to 99 degrees on Saturday, we'll break both the daily and monthly record at the Reno Airport. June 7th is the earliest Reno has ever reached 100 degrees at the airport.
According to the National Weather Service, the Truckee Meadows will be in a moderate heat risk on Friday and Saturday, but parts of the Basin and Range will be in the major risk category on Saturday. Those sensitive to the heat, especially if they are dehydrated could experience some impacts from the heat when the risk level is moderate. The heat risk chart takes into account both the high and low temperature. Anyone away from cooling centers and water could experience health risks when the risk is major.
