Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Elko, NV
Issued by NWS Elko, NV
729 FXUS65 KLKN 221735 AFDLKN Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Elko NV 1035 AM PDT Wed Jul 22 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... * Very high atmospheric moisture content today * A few strong thunderstorms possible throughout Northern and Central Nevada this afternoon into this evening * Marginal risk of excessive rainfall in most of Northern and Central Nevada this afternoon into this evening * Moderate risk of heat-related illnesses throughout Northern Nevada Friday afternoon && .DISCUSSION... (This afternoon through Tuesday) WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: An anticyclone aloft will be centered over the South Central United States this afternoon. Monsoonal moisture will remain in place in most of Northern and Central Nevada, resulting in isolated to scattered thunderstorms this afternoon into this evening. There is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall in most of Northern and Central Nevada this afternoon into this evening. Here are thunderstorm probabilities for select locations in Eastern Nevada on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026: Ely - 55% Lund - 53% Great Basin National Park - 51% Currie - 50% Eureka - 46% Wells - 45% Ruby Lake - 44% Spring Creek - 42% Elko - 40% Jackpot - 35% The aforementioned upper-level area of high pressure will expand northwestward Thursday through early next week. As a result, storm chances will dwindle Thursday through Sunday, before ending by Monday of next week. A warming trend is expected Thursday and Friday. By Friday afternoon, high temperatures throughout Northern and Central Nevada will be around five degrees above normal for this time of year. Heat-sensitvie ground in Northern Nevada will have a moderate risk for heat-related illnesses Friday afternoon. A Heat Advisory may be required. Here are probabilities of triple digit heat for select locations in Northern Nevada on Friday, July 24th, 2026: Winnemucca - 95% Battle Mountain - 95% Crescent Valley - 95% West Wendover - 65% Carlin - 65% Elko - 55% McDermitt - 45% Orovada - 30% FORECAST CONFIDENCE & DEVIATIONS: High forecast confidence regarding very high atmospheric content today. High forecast confidence in a few strong thunderstorms throughout Northern and Central Nevada this afternoon into this evening. High forecast confidence regarding a marginal risk of excessive rainfall in most of Northern and Central Nevada this afternoon into this evening. High forecast confidence in a moderate risk of heat-related illnesses throughout Northern Nevada Friday afternoon. No deviations from the NBM model output. && .AVIATION... VFR conditions will prevail at all terminals through at least the next 24 hours. Showers/thunderstorms are expected in the vicinity of KELY, KTPH, KBAM, KWMC, and KENV this afternoon into this evening. Direct terminal impact cannot be ruled out. The strongest thunderstorms could produce erratic wind gusts near 40 knots and reduced visibility in heavy rainfall. && .FIRE WEATHER... A few strong thunderstorms are possible this afternoon into this evening. The primary hazards will be small hail, wind gusts near 45 mph, and cloud to ground lightning strikes. Enhanced runoff and localized flooding is possible in storms that form over areas with antecedent rainfall from the past few days (especially portions of 470 and 425). && .LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories... None. && $$ DISCUSSION...87 AVIATION...87 FIRE WEATHER...87