Much colder weather to return to Lake Tahoe and Sierra this week

A few more layers may be required this week as the weather around Lake Tahoe is expected to turn cold and windy. Low pressure and a cold front will be moving into the Sierra and Lake Tahoe Basin by late Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

Ahead of the cold front, windy conditions are expected Wednesday with gusts 40-50 mph expected in eastern California and western Nevada mainly north of Highway 50. Ridge gusts of 80 to 90 mph are possible along the ridges.

The cold front will move across the remainder of western Nevada and the Sierra by Thursday morning, producing a short period of snow that may produce slick roads for the morning commute. About four inches of snow is possible for the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Much colder temperatures are expected Thursday with highs only in the lower 30s for most of western Nevada, and 20s for the Lake Tahoe Basin and other valleys near the Sierra. Lows Thursday night will range from the single digits to the teens, with temperatures dropping below zero in the colder Sierra valleys. Temperatures will remain below normal through the upcoming weekend.