Weather
Reno, NV Weather Alert: Rain and Mountain Snow Levels Oct 20-22
Reno, NV – A significant shift toward cooler, potentially wetter weather is expected across the Reno area beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20, following several days of sunshine and afternoon temperatures in t
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-16T10:52:08.016Z
Reno, NV – A significant shift toward cooler, potentially wetter weather is expected across the Reno area beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20, following several days of sunshine and afternoon temperatures in the 70s. The approaching change could bring the first rain chances of the new workweek, with temperatures falling into the upper 50s and mountain snow levels dropping near 7,100 feet. The developing pattern may affect outdoor plans and travel through higher elevations of western Nevada as unsettled conditions continue into Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, rain chances begin after 11 a.m. Tuesday, when mostly cloudy skies and a high near 58 degrees are expected. Snow levels are forecast near 7,100 feet before rising to approximately 7,700 feet during the afternoon. Rain chances continue Tuesday night, with snow levels near 7,600 feet and temperatures falling to around 37 degrees. The forecast does not specify rainfall totals, precipitation probabilities or expected snow accumulations.
Rain Chances Expand as Temperatures Drop The Tuesday weather change follows a notably warm weekend across Reno and surrounding Washoe County communities. Saturday and Sunday are both expected to reach approximately 77 degrees under sunny skies. By Tuesday afternoon, temperatures could be nearly 20 degrees cooler than those weekend highs, creating a noticeable difference for residents returning to work and school.
Monday serves as the transition between the sunny weekend and the wetter midweek outlook. The National Weather Service expects mostly sunny skies, breezy conditions and a high near 71 degrees. Mostly cloudy skies are forecast Monday night as temperatures fall near 39 degrees. Although the supplied forecast does not identify a specific storm system, the combination of cooler temperatures and increasing precipitation chances signals a meaningful change in local weather conditions.
Mountain Travel and Outdoor Activities The changing weather could become particularly relevant for travelers heading toward higher elevations west of Reno. Interstate 80 through the Sierra Nevada and the Mount Rose Highway connect the region with mountain destinations where weather conditions can differ substantially from those in the valley. Rain, colder temperatures and changing snow levels could affect outdoor comfort and visibility where precipitation develops.
However, the forecast does not establish accumulating snowfall, icy highways or travel restrictions. Snow levels describe the approximate elevation where precipitation may fall as snow, not a guarantee that snow will accumulate. Drivers planning mountain trips Tuesday through Thursday should check updated forecasts and roadway conditions before departure, particularly as snow levels fluctuate during the period.
Unsettled Weather May Continue Through Thursday Wednesday is expected to remain cooler, with partly sunny skies, a chance of rain and a high near 57 degrees. Snow levels are forecast around 7,300 feet before rising toward 8,000 feet during the afternoon. Rain chances continue Wednesday night as temperatures fall near 36 degrees, maintaining the cooler pattern across the Reno area.
By Thursday, conditions may improve somewhat, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 59 degrees. However, the National Weather Service continues to include a chance of rain, with snow levels rising from approximately 7,500 to 8,300 feet during the afternoon. This suggests that unsettled conditions could linger even as daytime sunshine becomes more prominent.
For residents of Reno, Sparks and surrounding communities, the most important planning window begins Tuesday and extends into Thursday. The forecast supports cooler temperatures and recurring rain chances, but it does not yet establish a major storm or significant snowfall event. Updated National Weather Service guidance will help clarify precipitation coverage, amounts and mountain impacts as the period approaches.
Will the return of cooler, wetter weather change your plans for next week?
Five Day Reno Weather Outlook Saturday 10/17: Sunny skies are expected with a high near 77 degrees and light west winds around 5 mph during the afternoon; clear skies follow Saturday night as temperatures fall near 38.
Sunday 10/18: Another sunny and warm afternoon is expected with a high near 77 degrees and light southwest winds around 5 mph; mostly clear skies continue Sunday night with a low near 40.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny skies and breezy conditions are forecast, with temperatures reaching approximately 71 degrees before mostly cloudy skies develop Monday night and temperatures fall near 39.
Tuesday 10/20: Rain becomes possible after 11 a.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 58 degrees; snow levels range from approximately 7,100 to 7,700 feet, with a nighttime low near 37.
Wednesday 10/21: A chance of rain continues under partly sunny skies, with a high near 57 degrees and snow levels rising from approximately 7,300 to 8,000 feet; nighttime temperatures fall near 36.
Additional Outlook Through Thursday Thursday, Oct. 22, is expected to bring mostly sunny skies, another chance of rain and a high near 59 degrees. Snow levels are forecast to rise from approximately 7,500 feet to 8,300 feet during the afternoon.