Fall colors in abundance: Wind, rain and snow in forecast

Fall colors are near their peak in Lake Tahoe and Hope Valley, and with wind, rain and snow in the forecast, this may be the last few days to witness their spectacular golds, yellows and reds.

Not quite time to get on the slopes, but it certainly appears Mother Nature will attempt to get snow in the Lake Tahoe Basin this weekend with snow levels forecast at lake level. Light snow is expected and there may be impacts to travelers over Highways 50 and 80.

Prior to the cold front, winds will hit Lake Tahoe on Friday, high enough to cause concern with fire officials as the low humidity and wind speeds have created a "Fire Weather Watch" from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on September 30. Expect winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. The fire watch is created by those speeds mixed with low humidity, 15-20 percent in Western Nevada, 20-25 in the Sierra.

The forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today - Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight - Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday - Sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Friday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday - Sunny, with a high near 61. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 30.

Sunday - A 50 percent chance of showers after 11 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy.

Sunday Night - A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Monday - A chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Monday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Tuesday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 29.

Wednesday - Sunny, with a high near 64.

Thank you for reader Jule Abner for this photo of the Aspens on Highway 88. She says, "Get out and see the colors before it is too late! Hwy 88 is going off! Enjoy these warm days before the cold rain comes next week."

Location