Power up the air conditioner or swamp cooler and turn those space and ceiling fans on high: Another hot day is underway here in Carson City, with record temperatures expected.
The National Weather Service in Reno is forecasting a high of 97 today, which would beat the record of 94 set in 1978. According to the weather service, the ridge of high pressure hanging over western Nevada is the one of the warmest air masses for early June during the last 30 years.
There's a growing threat of thunderstorms on Sunday with high pressure moving into eastern Nevada, which will would allow for instability to increase over the Sierra, northeast California and western Nevada, according to the weather service.
Strong instability with hot and dry surface conditions is favorable for high based thunderstorms. The main threats from high based thunderstorms are strong to severe outflow winds of 60 mph or more and dangerous lightning.
Outflows with hot and dry surface conditions can travel a long distance from a thunderstorm, which means there can be strong winds even if thunderstorms develop over 20 miles away. Outflow winds can also create areas of blowing dust with low visibility.
Strong winds and lightning from thunderstorms pose an immediate danger to boaters. If you are out on the lake when thunderstorms develop, return to shore as soon as possible. Outflow winds can rapidly increase wave heights to over 3 feet, which can capsize small boats.
Meanwhile, temperatures next week are expected to return to near normal.
The graphic above shows the anticipated highs Saturday for other parts of Northern Nevada and the Sierra.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids, limit strenuous activity to the early or late part of the day if possible, never leave children or pets in your vehicle, and monitor those at high risk such as sensitive individuals and the elderly. For more tips on preventing heat related illness check out these simple precautions.