If you've lived in the Truckee Meadows for more than a week, you know the drill. You wake up to a windshield covered in frost, but by 2:00 PM, you're considering ditching the hoodie because the high desert sun is doing its thing. It's a weird, beautiful, and sometimes frustrating cycle. Right now, everyone is staring at their phone screens wondering if the "Biggest Little City" is actually going to see a real winter or if we're just in for a month of dry, sunny boredom.
The current extended weather forecast Reno NV is telling a story of resilience—mostly the resilience of the sun. As of mid-January 2026, we are looking at a stretch of weather that feels more like early spring than the dead of winter.
The High Desert Reality Check
Honestly, the forecast for the next ten days is remarkably consistent. We are seeing a string of highs mostly in the low 50s. Today, January 15, we're hitting about 53°F with nothing but blue skies. It stays that way for a while. Tomorrow looks like 51°F, and Saturday bumps back up to 52°F.
It's clear. It's calm. It's... kinda dry.
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The nights are where the "winter" part actually happens. While you're enjoying a 54°F afternoon on Wednesday the 21st, keep in mind the low is still dropping to 27°F. That’s a nearly 30-degree swing. If you aren't layering, you aren't doing Reno right.
What’s Happening with the Snow?
Here is the part that usually bums people out: the precipitation chance is hovering near zero for the foreseeable future. There’s a tiny, 10% blip for snow on Sunday night (Jan 18) and a slight 5% chance of rain on the 21st, but don't go buying a new shovel just yet.
Basically, the ridge is holding strong.
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Why the Forecast Matters for Your Weekend
If you were planning on heading up to Tahoe, the roads are going to be crystal clear. That’s great for travel safety but maybe not the "powder day" vibe most people want this time of year.
Wind speeds are staying incredibly low, mostly around 1 to 2 mph from the northwest or west. For a city that can sometimes feel like a wind tunnel, this is a rare window of absolute stillness.
- Today (Jan 15): High 53°F, Low 23°F. Sunny.
- Next Wednesday (Jan 21): High 54°F, Low 27°F. Partly sunny.
- Ten Day Outlook (Jan 25): High 54°F, Low 29°F. Mostly cloudy.
The UV index is staying around 2, which is low, but that high-altitude sun still bites. Put on some sunscreen if you're out hiking the Hunter Creek trail or walking the Riverwalk.
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Actionable Tips for This Forecast
Since the extended weather forecast Reno NV is staying dry and mild, it’s the perfect time to handle the stuff you usually put off because of "winter."
- Check your irrigation: Even though it's "winter," the lack of precipitation means your perennials might be getting thirsty. Don't turn the whole system on (it'll still freeze at night), but a little manual watering on a 50-degree day goes a long way.
- Detail the car: Normally, Reno roads are a salt-and-slush mess in January. Take advantage of the 53°F weather this week to get the grime off before the next actual storm cycle eventually hits in February.
- Layer like a pro: With 50°F days and 25°F nights, your car should basically be a closet. Keep a heavy coat for the morning commute and a light windbreaker for the afternoon walk.
The "Big Storm" isn't on the map for the rest of January. Enjoy the easy driving and the clear views of the Sierras while the ridge lasts. It’s a great week to be outside, as long as you're home by sunset.