You’re probably looking at the window right now, wondering if you actually need that heavy parka for your Sunday plans. Honestly, January in the High Desert is always a bit of a mind game. One minute it’s crisp and clear, and the next, the "Washoe Zephyr" or a random inversion layer has you questioning your entire wardrobe.
For Sunday, January 18, 2026, the weather for reno nv tomorrow is shaping up to be surprisingly mild for a winter afternoon, but don't let the daytime numbers fool you into a false sense of security.
Basically, we’re looking at a high of 53°F.
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That’s actually quite pleasant if you’re out grabbing coffee at MidTown or walking the Truckee River. But here’s the kicker: the low is dropping down to 27°F. That’s a massive swing. If you’re out past sunset, that "mild" day is going to vanish faster than a lucky streak at the Atlantis.
The Cloud Cover and "Maybe" Snow
Most of the day is going to be mostly cloudy. It’s that flat, grey ceiling we get in the Truckee Meadows that makes the Sierra look extra dramatic.
Now, if you check the official charts, there is a tiny 10% chance of precipitation during the day. Interestingly, the type is listed as snow, even with the temp at 53°F. You’ve probably seen this before—those random, stray flakes that flutter down while it's technically too warm for them to stick. It's more of a "vibes" thing than a "shovel your driveway" thing. By Sunday night, that chance drops to a flat 0%, and the sky is expected to clear out completely.
Why the Air Feels Different Right Now
If you've noticed the air feeling a bit "heavy" or hazy lately, you're not imagining it. The National Weather Service in Reno has been tracking a persistent valley inversion. This happens when warm air sits on top of cold air trapped in the basin, acting like a lid.
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It keeps our morning temperatures chilly and can lead to some haze or reduced air quality in the western Nevada valleys. According to the latest Area Forecast Discussion, a brief flattening of the high-pressure ridge on Sunday might weaken that inversion just a tiny bit, but don't expect a total scouring of the air just yet.
The wind is barely going to help. We’re looking at a northwest wind at a mere 2 mph. It’s basically dead calm. While that’s great for not getting your hat blown off, it means the air is just going to sit there.
Real-World Advice for Sunday
If you're heading up toward Mt. Rose or taking the pass over to Tahoe, remember that the "spring-like" valley weather doesn't always translate to the ridges. While mountain temperatures are also climbing above normal, the Sierra Avalanche Center is still noting variable snow conditions.
Here is the move for Sunday:
- Layering is non-negotiable. 53°F in the sun feels like 65°F, but 53°F under "mostly cloudy" skies with a 27°F night waiting in the wings is a different beast.
- Air Quality. If you’re sensitive to haze, maybe skip the intense outdoor cardio until the inversion breaks later next week.
- Night Clear-Out. Since it’s going to be clear Sunday night, that 27°F low will hit hard. Make sure your outdoor pets have a warm spot and your irrigation is definitely still off.
The humidity is sitting around 51%, and the UV index is a low 2, so you don't need to worry too much about a winter sunburn unless you're spending the whole day on a glacier.
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Keep an eye on the sky around sunset. When the clouds break and the temperature starts its 26-degree plunge, you'll want to be heading indoors. Enjoy the calm before the next potential system starts poking around the region toward the end of next week.
Pack a light jacket for the afternoon, but keep the real winter gear in the trunk for when the sun goes down.