Lake Tahoe Forecast: Expect small series of weak to moderate winter storms this week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A mild day with light winds is in store today. A low-pressure area will approach late in the day and move through southern Nevada tonight. This will bring light mountain snow showers with a few valley rain showers. A stronger storm will bring periods of Sierra snow, valley showers, and gusty winds Monday through Thursday along with much cooler temperatures, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

We should see a burst of mountain snow in the Sierra on Wednesday and potentially
some light snow down to the valley floors in western Nevada on Wednesday morning. By Friday, as the low pressure moves out of the region, a ridge will build over the west coast bringing warming temperatures into the weekend. Temperatures will return back to near average for this time of year Friday and Saturday with highs in the 50s for western Nevada and 40s in the Sierra. Chances for precipitation through the end of March don`t look good at all as long-range models indicate stronger high pressure over the west coast.

A lake wind advisory is in effect from 1:00 p.m. Monday to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday for Lake Tahoe. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected as are waves 2 to 4 feet.

The weekly forecast from NWS Reno:

Monday - A chance of snow showers before 11am, then snow showers likely, possibly mixed with rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday Night - A chance of rain and snow showers before 8pm, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday - Snow showers likely, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday Night - Snow showers. Low around 18. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday - Snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. High near 35. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday Night - Snow showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11.

Thursday - A chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Partly sunny, with a high near 37.

Thursday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13.

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Friday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Saturday - Partly sunny, with a high near 46.

Saturday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Sunday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.