The combination of hot, dry conditions and the threat of thunderstorms arriving Friday has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Fire Weather Watch for much of Western Nevada including Carson City.
The advisory is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening, with the potential for evening thunderstorms and strong outflow winds.
By Friday afternoon, isolated thunderstorms will develop across portions of eastern California and western Nevada, including Carson City, Carson Valley, Reno and Mammoth Lakes. Due to the hot and dry conditions and areas of widespread dry grass, brush and trees, lightning strikes will be capable of producing new fire starts, which may spread rapidly due to strong outflow winds.
Unfortunately, these storms will bring little relief from the dry spell which has persisted over the region since May, as rainfall will be limited to very small areas, according to the weather service.