Weather
Nevada Weather Alert: Rain, Storms, Then 28°F by Oct. 24
RENO, NV – Northern Nevada residents face a sharp weather transition this week as showers and thunderstorms move through the Reno area Wednesday, followed by additional rainfall Thursday and overnight
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-21T11:18:01.837Z
RENO, NV – Northern Nevada residents face a sharp weather transition this week as showers and thunderstorms move through the Reno area Wednesday, followed by additional rainfall Thursday and overnight temperatures plunging into the upper 20s by Friday night. The changing conditions could affect evening travel, outdoor activities and preparations for the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, precipitation chances will climb to 100% Wednesday night, with rain continuing into Thursday. The forecast also calls for wind gusts reaching 30 mph Thursday night before clearing skies allow temperatures to drop to approximately 28 degrees Friday night.
The changing weather comes as a developing Pacific storm system pushes into the western United States, bringing cooler air and unsettled conditions across portions of the region.
While the Weather Prediction Center has highlighted significant excessive rainfall concerns farther south across California and the Four Corners region, Reno's local forecast does not establish a specific flash flood threat.
Five Day Reno Weather Outlook Wednesday 10/21: Showers and thunderstorms are possible, with precipitation becoming more widespread after 5 p.m. Afternoon temperatures will reach approximately 66 degrees. Rain chances increase from 20% earlier in the day to 80% later. Overnight temperatures fall to around 41 degrees, with a 100% precipitation chance and rainfall amounts between one quarter and one half inch possible.
Thursday 10/22: Rain remains likely, particularly between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a 60% precipitation chance. Afternoon highs reach approximately 58 degrees. Thursday night brings an 80% chance of rain, lows near 38 degrees and west winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 30 mph.
Friday 10/23: Conditions improve significantly as skies become partly sunny before gradually clearing. Afternoon temperatures reach approximately 59 degrees. Friday night will be notably colder, with clear skies and temperatures dropping to around 28 degrees, creating the potential for freezing conditions.
Saturday 10/24: Sunshine returns across Reno, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 60 degrees. The day should provide improved conditions for outdoor activities following the midweek rain. Saturday night remains chilly, with mostly clear skies and temperatures falling to around 32 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Sunny skies continue, with afternoon temperatures climbing to approximately 64 degrees. Dry conditions are forecast throughout the day, followed by mostly clear skies and overnight lows near 35 degrees.
Rainy Roads Before a Cold Weekend Drivers across Reno and surrounding Washoe County communities should prepare for wet pavement and reduced visibility during heavier showers Wednesday evening and Thursday.
The strongest precipitation probabilities occur Wednesday night, making that period especially important for residents planning evening travel.
By Friday night, attention shifts from rainfall to cold temperatures. Residents should consider protecting sensitive outdoor plants and checking exposed outdoor plumbing where freezing conditions may develop.
Extended Outlook: October 28 November 3 The NOAA Climate Prediction Center's outlook issued October 20 places western Nevada near the boundary between near normal and above normal precipitation probabilities for October 28 through November 3.
Temperatures across much of Nevada are favored to remain near seasonal averages during that period.
These longer range outlooks describe general weather tendencies rather than specific storms or daily temperature forecasts.
For Reno, the immediate story remains the transition from midweek rain and thunderstorms to freezing overnight temperatures, followed by a sunnier weekend.