A high wind warning is in effect in the region starting at 11 a.m. today and going through 5 p.m. Tuesday, bringing with it colder temperatures and some rain or snow, according to the National Weather Service.
A low pressure over the Gulf of Alaska and the jet stream over the Eastern Pacific will converge on the Sierra and Western Nevada today and Tuesday.
A strong cold front will move into Northwest Nevada early Tuesday morning then pass south of Highway 50 Tuesday afternoon or Tuesday evening.
"Ahead of the front we anticipate strong winds of about 25 to 40 mph with gusts near 60 mph," said Rudy Cruz, Weather Service specialist. "It's going to be strong winds and the winds will most likely cause some areas to see some blowing dust and dust storms that will reduce visibility to zero mainly to the east of Carson City."
The initial threat is a dangerous downslope wind event this afternoon through Tuesday morning. Ridge winds well over 100 mph will mix to the lower elevations with damaging wind gusts over 70 mph likely to affect the eastern slopes of mountain ranges.
By Tuesday morning the cold front will maintain the strong surface winds. Sustained winds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts near 60 mph will continue until the cold front passes Tuesday afternoon or Tuesday evening.
"The strongest winds will occur sometime between 9 p.m. tonight to 5 a.m. tomorrow morning," said Cruz.
Today's highs are expected between 64-74 degrees, then dropping significantly Tuesday with highs between 48 and 58 and Wednesday seeing highs of between 36 and 46 degrees. Tuesday and Wednesday's overnight lows are expected to be in the 20s, Cruz said.
"It looks like the remainder of the week after Wednesday is going to be cold with below normal temperatures. Highs are going to be in the 40s, and a slight chance of rain and snow showers later in the week on the valley floor.
A blizzard watch will be in effect in the Lake Tahoe area tomorrow morning with possible accumulations of a foot or more of snow above 7,000 feet.
"It doesn't look like there will be significant amounts of snow in valley floor," said Cruz. "The heaviest stuff is going to stay in the mountains, and the valleys are gong to get some dusting but nothing significant."