A weak storm system will bring a chance of rain and light snow accumulation to the Carson City region Friday night through Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, with stronger storm systems to begin developing New Year's Day through Tuesday.
For Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas, a chance of light rain and snow is in the forecast Friday night and Saturday afternoon with a daytime high in the low 40s Saturday and upper 30s on Sunday.
Starting New Year’s Day, a cold low pressure will move into northeast California, the eastern Sierra, and western Nevada with very cold air remaining locked over the region through next week.
The cold front will blast through the area Sunday night and Monday morning, bringing the chance for light snowfall accumulations. More significant accumulations of dry, powdery snow will be possible by Monday night and Tuesday as a second disturbance moves through the area.
Snowfall totals of more than a foot are possible in the Sierra between Sunday and Tuesday, with several inches possible out into portions of western Nevada. Snow may bring travel restrictions in the northern Sierra Monday and Tuesday with periods of snow causing travel troubles for the western Nevada commutes Monday and Tuesday morning.
While overall snowfall rates will not be too impressive, the low moisture content and breezy conditions could cause drastic reductions in visibility area wide, according to the weather service.
The first impacts associated with this low may arrive as early as Sunday afternoon as gusty winds develop ahead of a strong cold front and cold airmass dropping south from Oregon. Wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible Sunday afternoon with snow levels rapidly dropping to all valley floors by early Monday morning.
This cold and unstable airmass may lead to widespread snow showers as early as Monday morning and could persist through Wednesday with a peak Tuesday and Tuesday night. Total snowfall accumulation projections could change, but 1 to 2 feet in the Sierra and several inches or more in lower western Nevada valleys are possible through Wednesday.
Given the very cold airmass, impacts to travel could be widespread and last longer than usual. If you have travel plans, be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible airline delays.
Check the latest forecast at weather.gov/Reno and check road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT.
For the latest weather discussion go here. For weather updates for Carson City, see CarsonWeather.com.