Nevada wakes to damp pavement and low clouds stretching across the Truckee Meadows, with Reno sitting in the low 50s under a restless December sky. The air feels mild for now, but the rhythm is changing quickly as wind, rain, and colder air line up behind it.
According to the National Weather Service, rain chances increase through Sunday with breezy southwest winds developing by afternoon. Gusts may top 30 mph at times, especially along exposed stretches of I-80 and through the Washoe Valley. Roads could turn slick quickly as showers become more widespread.
By Sunday evening, rain remains likely and temperatures begin sliding toward the low 40s. That cooling trend matters. Snow levels drop from near 7,800 feet Sunday to around 7,200 feet by Monday night, putting nearby passes and higher elevations on watch for early winter impacts.
Monday brings another round of rain with highs near the low 50s, but colder air continues to filter in after sunset. Overnight lows dip into the mid-30s, raising the risk of refreezing on wet roads. Drivers heading out early should watch for slick spots, especially on bridges and shaded roadways.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, rain chances linger, and snow levels fluctuate near 7,000 feet. While Reno itself stays mostly rain, models hint at a possible rain-to-snow mix closer to Christmas, especially at night and north of town. It’s an early winter tease, but one worth tracking.
Looking ahead to Christmas travel, conditions may change fast across northern Nevada and the Sierra. Plan extra time on I-80, check pass conditions, and keep winter gear handy if traveling out of the valley.
Traveling this week or noticing slick roads already? Tell us what conditions feel like where you are.
Five-Day Outlook for Reno, Nevada
- Today: Chance of rain, breezy; high near 59
- Sunday: Rain likely, windy at times; high near 57
- Monday: Rain likely; high near 53
- Tuesday: Chance of rain; high near 55
- Wednesday: Rain possible, cooler; high near 48
