South Lake Tahoe had a warm July; Week of 80s ahead

When looking back at the month of July, each day's high temperatures in South Lake Tahoe were above average except for one, which was equal to the high. Even though July was a warm month, no record highs were set.

After such a warm month, August is starting out much the same.

Unfortunately, the smoke from California and Nevada fires seen over the Sierra and Western Nevada at the end of July will also continue into the new month. Some improvement in air quality is likely as winds increase, which should help mix pollutants out of some valley locations. However, areas downwind from large active fires including the Carr Fire near Redding, the Whaleback Fire near Eagle Lake, the Perry fire south of Pyramid Lake, and the Ferguson Fire near Yosemite NP, will still experience areas of poor visibility and reduced air quality, especially over portions of Lassen and Mono counties.

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for August 4 from 12:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. for the Lake Tahoe area, Eastern Alpine County, Mono County and Mineral County.

Expect gusty winds and low humidity. Valley Winds...west to southwest 10-20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Slope and ridge Winds...west to southwest 15-25 mph with gusts around 45 mph. Humidity...12-20 percent in Lake Tahoe Area...6-16 percent elsewhere.

The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them. To be safe, avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires.

The forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Thursday - Widespread haze. Sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night - Widespread haze. Clear, with a low around 44. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday - Widespread haze before 11am. Sunny, with a high near 85. Light southwest wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Friday Night - Clear, with a low around 44. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday - Sunny, with a high near 81.

Saturday Night - Clear, with a low around 41. Breezy.

Sunday - Sunny, with a high near 80.

Sunday Night - Clear, with a low around 41.

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 81.

Monday Night - Clear, with a low around 45.

Tuesday - Sunny, with a high near 84.

Tuesday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Wednesday - Sunny, with a high near 88.