Nevada weather is delivering a strong summer tease across Reno this afternoon as warm sunshine spreads over the Truckee Meadows and western Nevada valleys. Heat shimmer rose above Interstate 580 late this morning while dry desert air pushed temperatures quickly through the 70s. Conditions feel more like late June than late May across much of northern Nevada.
According to the National Weather Service, Reno reaches near 84 degrees today under mostly sunny skies with only light afternoon winds. Memorial Day remains warm with highs again near 84 degrees before cooler Pacific air gradually arrives by Tuesday night. Wind gusts may increase to around 30 mph at times early this week, especially along exposed valleys and Sierra foothills.
A bigger weather shift develops Wednesday as showers spread inland from California into western Nevada. High temperatures tumble into the lower 60s around Reno while Sierra snow levels briefly dip near 7,000 feet Wednesday morning before rising later in the day. While major snow accumulation appears unlikely for populated areas, travelers crossing higher Sierra passes could encounter wet snowflakes or slushy bursts during heavier showers.
Drivers along Interstate 80 through Donner Pass and Highway 395 south of Reno should stay alert for rapidly changing weather Wednesday into Thursday. Gusty winds and wet pavement may reduce visibility in exposed areas, particularly near mountain corridors. To be fair, valley locations likely avoid severe impacts, but the abrupt temperature drop will feel dramatic after several hot afternoons.
The broader western United States stays unusually warm through Memorial Day before a Pacific storm cools the Northwest and Great Basin during the middle of the week. Forecasters continue signaling near to slightly below normal temperatures across Nevada through late week before warmer spring weather rebuilds heading into early June.
Five Day Outlook for Reno, Nevada
- Memorial Day: Increasing clouds with continued warmth. High near 84.
- Tuesday: Sunny and cooler with breezy afternoon winds. High near 70.
- Wednesday: Chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. High near 61.
- Thursday: Chance of showers with cool Sierra air. High near 66.
- Friday: Slight chance of showers with partial sunshine. High near 71.
