Weather
Western Nevada Weather Alert: Showers, Snow Level 7,300 Ft Oct 20
Reno, NV – A noticeable temperature change is approaching western Nevada as a stretch of sunny, mild October weather gives way to cooler conditions early next week. Reno is expected to reach 78 degree
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-15T10:15:02.091Z
Reno, NV – A noticeable temperature change is approaching western Nevada as a stretch of sunny, mild October weather gives way to cooler conditions early next week. Reno is expected to reach 78 degrees Saturday, Oct. 17, before temperatures gradually decline to the lower 60s by Tuesday. The changing pattern also introduces a slight chance of showers, with snow levels potentially dropping to around 7,300 feet Tuesday before rising during the afternoon. While the weekend should remain dry, residents traveling into higher elevations may want to monitor the developing forecast.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, temperatures are expected to climb from approximately 71 degrees Thursday to 74 Friday and 78 Saturday. Sunday remains sunny with a high near 76 degrees, but cooler weather begins arriving Monday, when temperatures fall to around 71. By Tuesday, Oct. 20, Reno's afternoon high is forecast near 63 degrees, representing a 15 degree decline from Saturday's projected peak.
Sunday Warmth Gives Way to Cooler Conditions Sunday will bring another sunny afternoon across Reno and surrounding portions of Washoe County, with temperatures reaching approximately 76 degrees. Although conditions will remain pleasant for outdoor activities, the forecast indicates that the weekend warmth will begin fading as the new workweek approaches.
Saturday is expected to be the warmest day of the forecast period, with clear skies, calm winds and temperatures near 78 degrees. Saturday night remains clear, with temperatures falling to around 44 degrees before another sunny afternoon Sunday.
By Sunday night, mostly clear skies and temperatures near 43 degrees will signal the beginning of a cooler stretch. Monday's high near 71 degrees represents a five degree decline from Sunday, while Tuesday brings a more noticeable drop into the lower 60s.
The cooling trend is expected to continue Wednesday, Oct. 21, when temperatures reach approximately 62 degrees. That would place afternoon temperatures 16 degrees below Saturday's projected high.
Showers and Mountain Snow Levels Enter the Outlook Tuesday introduces the next notable weather development as the National Weather Service forecasts a slight chance of showers across Reno. Snow levels are expected near 7,300 feet before rising to approximately 8,100 feet during the afternoon.
Those elevations are above Reno's valley floor, meaning the supplied forecast does not indicate accumulating snow in the city. However, the snow level forecast is worth monitoring for travelers planning trips into higher terrain west of Reno.
Motorists using Interstate 80 toward the Sierra Nevada, including higher elevation sections near Donner Pass, should review updated forecasts before traveling Tuesday. The available information does not establish snowfall accumulations, winter weather advisories or hazardous highway conditions.
A slight chance of showers continues Tuesday night as temperatures fall to around 39 degrees. The National Weather Service has not specified precipitation probabilities or rainfall amounts, leaving uncertainty about whether measurable precipitation will occur.
What Residents Can Expect Next Week The return of cooler weather will be noticeable across Reno, Sparks and surrounding communities, especially during the morning and evening hours. While afternoon temperatures remain relatively mild, overnight lows in the upper 30s and lower 40s could make early outdoor activities feel considerably colder.
Thursday and Friday will offer dry conditions before the weekend, although afternoon winds may become more noticeable. Friday's forecast includes southeast winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 20 mph Friday night.
By Wednesday, mostly sunny skies return with temperatures near 62 degrees, suggesting the cooler pattern will persist even after Tuesday's shower opportunity.
With temperatures dropping 15 degrees between Saturday and Tuesday, will western Nevada's cooler weather affect your travel or outdoor plans?
Five Day Weather Outlook Thursday 10/15: Sunny skies will bring afternoon temperatures near 71 degrees across Reno, with northeast winds becoming easterly at 5 to 10 mph. Clear conditions follow Thursday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 40 degrees.
Friday 10/16: Sunshine continues as temperatures climb to approximately 74 degrees, with southeast winds increasing to 10 to 15 mph during the afternoon. Clear skies follow Friday night, with a low near 43 degrees and wind gusts potentially reaching 20 mph.
Saturday 10/17: Sunny skies and calm winds will accompany temperatures near 78 degrees, making Saturday the warmest day in the supplied forecast. Clear conditions continue Saturday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 44 degrees.
Sunday 10/18: Another sunny afternoon is expected, with temperatures reaching approximately 76 degrees before the cooling trend becomes more noticeable. Mostly clear conditions follow Sunday night, with temperatures falling to around 43 degrees.
Monday 10/19: Mostly sunny skies will accompany cooler afternoon temperatures near 71 degrees, marking a five degree decline from Sunday's projected high. Partly cloudy conditions develop Monday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 41 degrees.
Extended Outlook Tuesday, Oct. 20, brings a slight chance of showers and mostly sunny skies, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 63 degrees. Snow levels are forecast near 7,300 feet before rising to 8,100 feet during the afternoon.
A slight chance of showers continues Tuesday night, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures falling to approximately 39 degrees.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, should remain mostly sunny, with temperatures reaching approximately 62 degrees.