RENO, Nev. – The calm desert air won’t last long. Early this week, the Sierra is gearing up for its first true blast of November weather — a combination of powerful winds, rain, and a few high-elevation snowflakes that could make travel dangerous and disrupt power lines across western Nevada and the eastern Sierra.
A High Wind Watch goes into effect late Tuesday through Wednesday night for the Reno–Carson City–Minden area and parts of Mono County, California, according to the National Weather Service in Reno. Southwest winds could roar at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts near 60 mph in valleys. Exposed ridges and wind-prone areas along US-395 could see gusts near 80 mph, with localized peaks to 100 mph over the Sierra crests.
Residents are urged to secure patio furniture, decorations, and trash bins before Tuesday evening. Driving high-profile vehicles may become dangerous, especially along I-80 and Highway 50 through mountain passes. Power outages are possible as tree limbs snap under the strain of gusts.
Rain begins to build late Tuesday, peaking on Wednesday. Snow levels will hover near 7,400 feet — high enough to coat the upper Sierra and Donner Summit in a light early-season layer. Winds ease by Thursday as skies clear and temperatures climb back toward the low 60s heading into the weekend.
This week marks another signal that winter’s edge is creeping closer to the Nevada high desert — one gust at a time.
Five-Day Outlook for Reno, NV:
Mon: 71/43 – Sunny and mild.
Tue: 68/45 – Partly sunny; breezy late.
Wed: 58/38 – Rain likely; strong winds.
Thu: 61/42 – Clearing; calmer air returns.
Fri: 64/40 – Mostly sunny; cool mornings
