Some big changes are on tap for our region as a cold trough of low pressure is dropping down out of the Gulf of Alaska, bringing with it some high wind, mountain snow and a wintry mix in the valleys. For Tuesday, winds ahead of the trough will strengthen through the day, with afternoon gusts in the 40s likely in the valley. Initially, there will be considerable shadowing in the valleys, but showers do have a chance of spilling over into the Reno area late Tuesday through Wednesday. Snow levels will begin quite high (around 9,000’) Tuesday afternoon but should drop nearly to the valley floors by Wednesday. I don’t expect any significant valley accumulations (sorry kids), although we might see some minor ones in the foothills.

Temperatures will plunge with the passage of the cold front, with Tuesday’s high in the upper 60s falling to the 40s on Wednesday and Thursday, and it is very likely that the long stretch of airport temperatures above the freezing mark will come to an end as Wednesday and Thursday lows should fall into the 20s.