Winter Storm Warnings in Reno, Nevada
Reno sits in a high desert valley ringed by the Sierra Nevada, a location that shapes its winter weather in distinct ways. Cold air settles easily into the basin, pushing average winter overnight lows to around 28 °F (−2.2 °C), while moisture streaming off the Pacific can occasionally unload meaningful snow even at valley floor elevations.
Across the 13 years analyzed from 2012 through 2024, Reno averaged roughly 38.0 inches (96.4 cm) of snow per year. That total is not distributed evenly across the season — January, December, and March tend to be the snowiest months, with late-season storms in March sometimes catching residents off guard after a quiet midwinter stretch.
Truly heavy snow events are relatively rare at valley elevation: the data show an average of about half a heavy-snow day per year, and significant multi-day accumulation events are uncommon. That rarity is precisely why a Winter Storm Warning carries real weight when one is issued. It signals that forecasters expect conditions serious enough to make travel dangerous and infrastructure strained.
It is worth noting that warning thresholds are not universal — the snowfall totals required to trigger a Winter Storm Warning in Reno differ from those used in snowier climates or at higher elevations nearby. Always read the specific criteria outlined in any active warning for your exact location.
| Years analyzed | 13 winters (2012–2024) |
|---|---|
| Avg. annual snowfall | 38 in (96.4 cm) |
| Snowiest months | January, December, March |
| Avg. winter overnight low | 28°F (−2.2°C) |
| Heavy-snow days per year | 0.5 |
Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.
Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in Reno within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.
Reno winter storm FAQ
Is there a winter storm warning in Reno right now?
The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for Reno, Nevada. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.
Does Reno get winter storm warnings often?
Reno sees significant snowfall in most winters, and winter storm warnings are issued in a typical season. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.
How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in Reno?
There is no single national trigger: warning criteria are set by each local National Weather Service office, ranging from a couple of inches of snow in areas where snow is rare up to 6 inches or more in snow-belt regions, and significant ice accumulation can warrant a warning on its own.
What should I do during a winter storm warning in Reno?
Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Nevada authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winter storm warnings in nearby locations
- Winter storm warning in Carson City, NV
- Winter storm warning in South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Winter storm warning in Sacramento, CA
- Winter storm warning in Redding, CA
- Winter storm warning in San Francisco, CA
- Winter storm warning in Elko, NV
See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow the National Weather Service (NWS) criteria; thresholds vary by region.