Weather
Northern Nevada Weather Alert: Snow Levels Fall to 5,200 Ft Oct 30
Reno, NV – A noticeable weather change could arrive across the Reno area heading into Halloween weekend, bringing colder afternoons, renewed rain chances and falling mountain snow levels after several
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-25T11:07:32.477Z
Reno, NV – A noticeable weather change could arrive across the Reno area heading into Halloween weekend, bringing colder afternoons, renewed rain chances and falling mountain snow levels after several days of sunshine. Temperatures are expected to remain in the middle 60s through Wednesday before gradually declining toward 51 degrees Saturday. The National Weather Service also indicates that snow levels could fall to approximately 5,200 feet late Friday, raising the possibility of snow at higher elevations while lower portions of the Truckee Meadows primarily face rain.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, the approaching transition follows an extended stretch of relatively quiet weather. Wednesday is expected to bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 64 degrees, with temperatures dropping to approximately 36 degrees that night. Thursday remains partly sunny, but the forecast introduces a slight chance of rain Thursday night as snow levels begin falling.
Rain Chances Return as Snow Levels Drop Thursday night marks the first indication of changing conditions, with snow levels initially around 7,000 feet before lowering toward 6,100 feet after midnight. Temperatures are expected to fall near 33 degrees, bringing another chilly night to the Reno area. Although the forecast mentions a slight chance of rain, it does not provide a specific precipitation percentage or rainfall accumulation.
Friday brings a more noticeable shift, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 56 degrees. That would be eight degrees cooler than Wednesday's projected high. Snow levels are forecast near 5,700 feet before rising toward 6,400 feet during the afternoon, suggesting precipitation type could vary considerably with elevation and timing.
By Friday night, rain chances continue as temperatures fall toward 31 degrees. Snow levels are expected to begin around 6,300 feet before dropping to approximately 5,200 feet after midnight. The combination of colder temperatures and lowering snow levels could become increasingly relevant for travelers heading into higher terrain surrounding Reno.
Mountain Travel Could Become More Complicated The changing forecast deserves attention along Interstate 80 west of Reno, particularly where the highway climbs toward the Sierra Nevada. U.S. Highway 395 and routes serving higher elevation communities may also experience different conditions than downtown Reno if precipitation develops while snow levels are falling.
However, the available forecast does not establish accumulating snowfall, road closures or winter driving restrictions. Snow levels indicate the approximate elevation where precipitation may change from rain to snow, not a guarantee that snow will accumulate on roadways. Travelers planning mountain trips Friday night or Saturday should monitor updated National Weather Service information and Nevada transportation reports.
Halloween Weekend Brings Cooler Conditions Saturday, Oct. 31, introduces the clearest rain and snow signal in the available extended forecast. The National Weather Service calls for a chance of rain and snow, with snow levels rising toward 5,600 feet during the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach only 51 degrees, approximately 13 degrees below Wednesday's projected high.
Before that transition, Reno should experience several favorable days for outdoor activities. Sunday reaches approximately 67 degrees, followed by highs near 64 degrees Monday through Wednesday. Monday is expected to become breezy, with southwest winds increasing to 15 to 20 mph and gusts reaching 30 mph.
The cooler pattern also brings freezing or near freezing overnight temperatures. Monday night could fall to 30 degrees, while Friday night may reach 31 degrees. Residents with sensitive outdoor plants should account for those colder periods.
Forecast confidence regarding specific precipitation amounts and mountain snowfall remains limited because the supplied outlook does not include accumulation estimates. The most important development is the shift from sunny, mild afternoons toward cooler temperatures and possible precipitation by Halloween.
Will the colder temperatures and potential mountain snow change your Halloween weekend plans around Reno?
Five Day Weather Outlook Sunday 10/25: Mostly sunny skies bring a high near 67 degrees, with calm winds providing comfortable afternoon conditions; clouds increase Sunday night, with west winds around 5 to 10 mph and temperatures falling near 37 degrees.
Monday 10/26: Sunshine continues with a high near 64 degrees, but southwest winds increase to 15 to 20 mph and gusts could reach 30 mph; Monday night turns clear and colder, with a low near 30 degrees.
Tuesday 10/27: Sunny skies dominate with temperatures reaching approximately 64 degrees and calm winds; mostly clear conditions continue Tuesday night, allowing temperatures to fall toward 34 degrees across the Reno area.
Wednesday 10/28: Mostly sunny skies keep afternoon temperatures near 64 degrees, extending the stretch of generally dry weather; Wednesday night becomes mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to approximately 36 degrees.
Thursday 10/29: Partly sunny conditions bring a high near 62 degrees before a slight chance of rain develops Thursday night; temperatures fall near 33 degrees as snow levels lower from approximately 7,000 feet toward 6,100 feet after midnight.
Extended Weather Outlook Friday, Oct. 30: Mostly sunny skies are expected with a slight chance of rain and a high near 56 degrees. Snow levels could range from 5,700 feet to 6,400 feet during the day. Friday night brings another chance of rain, a low near 31 degrees and snow levels falling toward 5,200 feet after midnight.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Halloween: Partly sunny skies are expected with a chance of rain and snow. Temperatures reach approximately 51 degrees, with snow levels rising toward 5,600 feet during the afternoon. The forecast does not specify precipitation probabilities or snowfall totals.