RENO, Nev. – Skies may look calm early this Wednesday, but a steady change is brewing over the Sierra. By late Friday into the weekend, cooler winds and increasing clouds will mark Nevada’s first real taste of late-fall weather, with rain showers likely around Reno and snow levels dipping toward 7,000 feet by Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, today stays mostly dry, reaching near 68 degrees with only a slim chance of a shower before noon. Sunshine dominates Thursday, a final mild pause before the next Pacific system pushes inland. Drivers along I-80 should plan for gusty winds and falling temperatures starting late Friday, especially west of Truckee where the first snowflakes could mix in above Donner Summit.
Rain chances grow through Saturday, with gusts near 30 mph possible in open valleys. Highs slide from the mid-70s Friday to near 60 by Saturday, signaling a marked cooldown. By Sunday, a chilly mix of rain and mountain snow will make for slower travel through the Sierra and damp streets across western Nevada. Snow levels could briefly dip near 7,000 feet, offering the first visible flakes of the season along higher ridges.
Residents heading out for weekend errands, local football games, or early Halloween decorating should prepare for cooler, wetter air and have extra layers handy. While it’s not winter yet, this system gives Reno its first genuine nudge toward the season ahead.
Five-Day Forecast for Reno, NV:
Wed: 68/42 – Cloudy early; slight chance of light showers before midday.
Thu: 70/44 – Sunny and mild; calm winds, late clouds west.
Fri: 74/47 – Partly sunny; breezy late, cooler air moving in.
Sat: 60/41 – Rain chances increase; gusty, first snow possible above 8,000 ft.
Sun: 55/38 – Rain and high-elevation snow; colder, brisk winds easing late.
