RENO, Nev. – NOAA’s Winter 2025–2026 outlook, released Thursday, Oct. 16, shows a divided winter across Nevada — snowy and cold in the north, mild and mostly dry in the south. The Climate Prediction Center’s guidance points to above-normal precipitation and below-normal temperatures across northern counties, with near- to below-normal precipitation farther south under La Niña’s influence.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, “Northern Nevada should prepare for a steady run of winter storms and deep snow in the Sierra and western ranges.” Cities like Reno, Elko, and Winnemucca could see repeated snow systems from January through late February, with cold air lingering well into March. The Sierra Front may also see heavy snow and gusty winds during major Pacific systems.
Meanwhile, southern Nevada — including Las Vegas, Pahrump, and Mesquite — is expected to stay warmer and drier than average, with only brief cool periods and minimal rainfall. Forecasters say mountain zones such as Mt. Charleston and the Spring Mountains could still see occasional snow, but totals will remain below seasonal norms.
Travel impacts are likely along I-80, U.S. 50, and Highway 395 through winter, especially when Sierra snow spreads east. Residents across rural areas should plan for icy roads, power interruptions, and extended cold snaps in the north.
For Nevada, Winter 2026 looks like a tale of two climates — a stormy, snow-packed north and a mild, dry south — all shaped by the shifting grip of La Niña.
