You’ve heard the jokes about Reno weather. One minute you’re wearing a T-shirt on a patio in Midtown, and two hours later, you’re digging your Subaru out of a surprise snowdrift. It’s the High Desert life. Honestly, if you’re looking at a Reno 15 day forecast, you have to treat it more like a suggestion than a promise.
Right now, we are sitting in that weird mid-winter pocket. As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the current temperature in Reno is a crisp 33°F. It’s nighttime, mostly cloudy, and there’s a tiny 9% chance of rain. If you’re out for a late-night walk, you’ll feel a very light 2 mph breeze coming from the west. Basically, it's typical January—cold enough to see your breath but not exactly "End of the World" vibes.
What the Next Two Weeks Actually Look Like
So, what’s the real deal for the rest of the month? If you’re planning a trip or just trying to figure out if you need to wrap your pipes, the short-term outlook is surprisingly mild.
Today, Sunday, we’re hitting a high of 52°F. That’s actually pretty pleasant for January. It’ll be cloudy during the day, but it clears up tonight with a low of 31°F. Tomorrow, Monday the 19th, looks even better: sunny skies and a high of 49°F.
But don't get too comfortable. The "Biggest Little City" has a way of shifting gears. By Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20-21), the clouds roll back in. We’re looking at highs in the mid-to-high 40s. There’s a consistent 10% chance of rain through the middle of the week. It’s not a washout, but it’s that annoying gray drizzle that makes the Truckee River look like lead.
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The Mid-Range Shift: Sunny Days vs. Snow Chances
Around Thursday, January 22, the sun decides to show up again. We’ll see highs of 47°F and clear nights. This sunny streak should last through Saturday, Jan 24.
However, long-range models—and the Old Farmer's Almanac—hint that the end of January might bring a "winter punch." While the current daily data shows mostly sunny or partly sunny conditions through January 26 with highs hovering around 46°F to 47°F, historical patterns for Reno often see a late-month moisture surge.
By Tuesday, January 27, we start seeing a change. The forecast calls for a high of 50°F, but the night brings a mix of clouds and a 10% chance of snow. This is where the Reno 15 day forecast gets tricky. You see "10% snow" and think nothing of it, but in the Sierra rain shadow, that can turn into a localized dusting or a weird slushy mess real fast.
The Sierra Factor: Why Your App Lies to You
Reno’s weather is dictated by the Sierra Nevada mountains. We live in a rain shadow.
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When a big storm hits California, the mountains "squeeze" the moisture out. Usually, Tahoe gets the snow, and Reno gets the wind. Speaking of wind, notice how the speeds in the current forecast are low? 2 to 4 mph? That’s rare. Normally, we get those Washoe Zephyrs that try to blow your trash cans into the next zip code.
If you are looking at a forecast 10 or 15 days out, keep an eye on the "from direction" of the wind.
- West winds: Usually mean a storm is trying to hop over the mountains.
- East/North winds: Usually mean cold, dry air is settling in from the Great Basin.
Real Talk on January Temperatures
The average high for Reno in January is typically around 45°F, and the average low is 25°F. Looking at our current 15-day window, we are actually running a bit warmer than usual.
| Day | High Temp | Low Temp | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Jan 18 | 52°F | 31°F | Cloudy / Clear Night |
| Mon Jan 19 | 49°F | 29°F | Sunny |
| Fri Jan 23 | 45°F | 31°F | Sunny |
| Tue Jan 27 | 50°F | 36°F | Cloudy / Snow Chance |
Most people see 50 degrees and think "Spring is coming!" It's not. It's a trap. In 2026, the pattern suggests a warmer-than-normal January, but that usually just means the cold snap in February is going to bite harder.
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Actionable Tips for Navigating the Reno Forecast
Kinda obvious, but stop trusting the "High Temperature" as your guide for what to wear. In Reno, the temperature can drop 20 degrees the second the sun goes behind Peavine Mountain.
- The Layer Rule: If you’re heading to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport or just grabbing coffee at Hub, wear a shell. The 52°F high today feels great in the sun, but the 31°F low tonight will catch you off guard if you're still out in a light hoodie.
- Watch the UV Index: Even when it’s 45°F on Friday the 23rd, the UV index is still 2. That’s low, but with the altitude (4,500 ft), the sun hits different here.
- Humidity and Static: Humidity is hovering between 43% and 54%. It’s dry. Your skin will crack, and you will get shocked by every doorknob in the city. Hydrate now.
- Prepare for the "Snowy Surprise": Tuesday, Jan 27 shows a 10% chance of snow. In Reno-speak, that means "keep your ice scraper in the car just in case."
The bottom line? The next 15 days in Reno look relatively stable and mild, but this is the high desert. Things change. Check the forecast again in 48 hours, because the Sierra has a mind of its own.
Next Steps for Your Reno Planning
Check your car’s tire pressure; these 20-degree temperature swings between day and night cause your TPMS light to go crazy. If you're traveling up to Tahoe, remember that the Reno forecast does NOT apply to the pass. Check the NWS Reno mountain updates specifically before you hit I-80.