Reno, Nev. – Blue skies this morning won’t tell the whole story. By late afternoon, clouds will bubble over the Sierra and western Nevada, bringing scattered thunderstorms that could interrupt travel before hotter, drier weather settles in for the middle of the week.
According to the National Weather Service, Reno will reach 96 degrees Monday with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after 2 p.m. Southwest winds will increase to around 10 mph during the afternoon, creating conditions that could quickly shift from hot sunshine to brief downpours, gusty winds, and lightning.
Communities across Sparks, Spanish Springs, Verdi, and the Truckee Meadows should remain weather-aware through the afternoon and early evening. Anyone traveling along Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 395, or Interstate 580 may encounter rapidly changing visibility and wet pavement if storms develop. Lightning can strike well away from the heaviest rain, so hikers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts should head indoors as storms approach.
The unsettled pattern continues into Tuesday, when temperatures ease slightly to 92 degrees, but thunderstorm chances increase to 40% after 2 p.m. Another round of scattered storms may affect evening plans before skies clear later Tuesday night.
By Wednesday, the pattern shifts noticeably. Sunshine returns with a high near 95 degrees, followed by 98 degrees Thursday under dry conditions. That warming trend will increase heat stress during the afternoon, especially for anyone working or exercising outdoors. Drink water frequently, take breaks in the shade, and never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
Beyond Thursday, longer-range outlooks favor continued above-normal temperatures across western Nevada into next week, with summer heat remaining the dominant story.
What are conditions like where you are in the Reno area today? Let us know if you’re seeing building clouds or afternoon storms.
Five-Day Forecast for Reno, Nevada
- Monday: Mostly sunny, then a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 96° | Low 68°
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, then a 40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 92° | Low 68°
- Wednesday: Sunny. High 95° | Low 67°
- Thursday: Sunny. High 98° | Low 63°
- Friday: Sunny. High 97° | Low 64°
