Nevada’s high desert will turn slick fast as a Winter Storm Watch looms for the Reno area. Clear roads this morning won’t last. Snow and powerful wind are set to move in by Tuesday morning, raising travel concerns across Washoe County.
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night. Heavy snow is possible, with 4 to 8 inches expected on the valley floor and 8 to 12 inches above 5,000 feet. Winds may gust as high as 50 to 60 mph, especially along wind-prone stretches of I-80 and U.S. 395/I-580.
Blowing snow could sharply reduce visibility. Travel may become difficult during both the morning and evening commute Tuesday. Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches, particularly in burn scar areas. If you must travel, pack extra supplies and check road conditions before heading out.
Today stays milder with highs near 43 degrees and increasing clouds. Snow levels fall quickly Tuesday as colder air settles in. Highs drop into the upper 30s Tuesday, then mid-30s Wednesday with scattered snow showers lingering into Wednesday night. Lows plunge into the teens and 20s, raising concern for icy patches and flash freezing as melting refreezes after sunset.
By Thursday and Friday, snow chances continue but begin tapering. Looking toward President’s Day Week, temperatures gradually rebound into the 40s by the weekend, signaling a modest warming trend into late February.
Five Day Outlook for Reno, Nevada:
Monday: Rain and snow showers, high near 43.
Tuesday: Snow, high near 38.
Wednesday: Chance of snow, high near 35.
Thursday: Snow likely, high near 35.
Friday: Slight chance of snow, high near 37.
