June 24, 2010

Summer is finally upon us, on the calendar and in the air. This weekend should be the hottest of the year so far for Tahoe.

Today will actually be a bit cooler than Wednesday as a trough of low pressure that's been sitting off the coast of California moves east. This system will cool the air and could bring some thunderstorms to areas north and south of the Tahoe Basin. Friday's temperatures should be similar, with a lower chance of thunderstorms around the Sierra.

Then things begin to change. A ridge of high pressure building across the west will bring a warming trend to Tahoe. Temperatures are expected to climb to near 80 around the Lake by Sunday and in the 70s at 7000 feet at the mountain passes. Sacramento is looking at its first 100-degree day of the year Sunday. Reno should be in the 90s. And the foothills will be baking as well.

The heat wave should last into early next week before giving way to another spot of cooler weather.

Stay tuned to www.tahoeloco.com for updates as conditions change.

PLANNING AHEAD

The Mountain Area Preservation Fund, which works to preserve Donner Summit, is sponsoring a wildflower hike July 11 guided by Julie Carville, one of the area's premier botanists. The hike will be around the Mt. Judah Loop near the Sugar Bowl ski resort. There is a $25 per person fee, and space is limited. More info here.