Weather conditions are not expected to improve for firefighters today who are battling the Waterfall Fire. The fire began early Wednesday morning in Kings Canyon and is said to be human-caused.
Temperatures neared 90 degrees Wednesday afternoon as westerly winds were at 15-20 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
"Conditions will continue to be warm and dry in Carson City," said Jane Hollingsworth, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno.
"Winds Thursday will be 15-25 mph and gust in the afternoon to 35 mph. When we (western Nevada) get the afternoon heat, the temperature differential builds up between cooler mountain air and warm air in the valley. This creates gusty winds - otherwise known as Zephyr winds - which are typical this time of year. That's what we're seeing."
Hollingsworth said winds diminish after sunset. Also, monsoonal moisture coming from Arizona and California will push into the area this evening into Friday. With it will be increased humidity and some clouds, which will bring temperatures down slightly.
"There will be a little more moisture, unfortunately no rain-type scenarios. It's a pretty minimal chance for rain, maybe 10 percent."
The skies above western Nevada filled with smoke Tuesday from a fire burning near Yosemite National Park and a 3,700-acre fire in San Bernardino National Forest.
Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
