Elko, Nev. – Dangerous fire weather conditions will grip much of central and eastern Nevada starting Monday, with strong winds and bone-dry humidity increasing wildfire risk across Nye, White Pine, and surrounding counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Elko, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for fire zones 426 and 427, which include Northern Nye County and the Central Nevada-Toiyabe region. A second watch goes into effect Tuesday for the same areas plus fire zone 425, covering White Pine and Northeast Nye Counties.
Sustained southerly winds of 15–20 mph are expected both days, with gusts reaching 36 mph by Tuesday afternoon. Afternoon relative humidity will plummet to as low as 4%, creating ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
Communities near Tonopah, Ely, and Eureka should remain alert. Residents are urged to secure loose items, avoid open flames, and report smoke immediately. Local fire crews remain on standby.
This marks the first multi-day fire weather watch of July for this part of Nevada, aligning with a historically dry stretch. Additional Red Flag Warnings could follow if conditions intensify.
