Reno Weather Radar
Reno Live Weather
Reno Live Weather Radar
Reno Hourly Weather Forecast
Reno 7-Day Weather Forecast
Reno Weather Overview
Reno weather radar helps put approaching precipitation in the context of a specific journey. Start with the destination in Washoe County, then compare several timestamped frames instead of relying on a single still image. The Truckee River and Wingfield Park give downtown checks a clear geographic focus. A journey into higher terrain needs a separate forecast for the destination and elevation. Rain over the city does not establish what is falling farther uphill. Check both ends of the trip, including the planned return time, before deciding whether a change in weather will affect your plans.
The City of Reno identifies its downtown whitewater facility as the Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield. Its description places a pedestrian walkway beneath Arlington Avenue between the east and west ends of Wingfield Park. Use those locations to orient the map before a riverfront walk or an outdoor event. The City lists a total whitewater-course length of 2,600 feet, split between the north and south channels. That layout is geographic context, not an observation of current river conditions. Park access notices and official water information answer questions that a precipitation animation cannot.
During heavy rain, compare where precipitation is occurring with the location of your route and read any flood warnings covering it. Flooding can remain a concern after rain weakens or moves away. The radar layer does not measure the depth of water on Arlington Avenue, the river level beside Wingfield Park, or the condition of a particular crossing. Use official river observations and local closure notices for those decisions. Never interpret a gap in the rain as confirmation that a flooded path has reopened. For a riverside visit, check conditions again before returning to the water.
Winter storms require more than a quick look at precipitation colors. NWS Reno publishes snowfall forecasts and ranges for individual locations, including Reno and nearby mountain destinations. Compare the forecast for the place you are visiting rather than transferring a city forecast to a higher-elevation route. Rain, snow, and icy travel can create different problems. This animation does not reliably determine which precipitation type is reaching the ground at every point, and it cannot identify an icy road surface. Read the winter forecast, current alerts, and road-condition reports together. A dry-looking frame does not show whether earlier snow has been cleared.
Thunderstorms also call for a separate warning check before spending time outdoors. Follow the movement of nearby precipitation, but do not use the rain boundary as a complete lightning-warning boundary. If thunder is heard, move to a substantial building or an enclosed vehicle and follow official lightning guidance. A short break between showers is not proof that the storm has ended. For an event at Wingfield Park, consider the time needed to reach shelter as well as the expected arrival of rain. Temperature and wind forecasts matter independently; neither is measured by the precipitation color scale.
The live NWS point record for central Reno identifies WFO REV and KRGX as its radar reference. This page displays RainViewer imagery, not an exclusively KRGX feed. Read the frame time first. Compare several observations to judge recent movement, and keep recorded imagery distinct from any forecast overlay. Terrain and radar coverage can limit what the display reveals near the ground. For the next few hours, pair it with the local hourly forecast and official warnings. If the timestamps stop advancing or the layer does not load, consult current NWS information directly rather than treating missing imagery as clear weather.
Data sources used for this page include WFO REV, NWS forecast grid, RainViewer radar imagery, Open-Meteo forecast data, and OpenStreetMap geocoding plus the official local references linked below.
Local geography and seasonal references: City of Reno: Whitewater Park; NWS Reno: winter weather forecasts; NWS Reno: local forecasts and warnings.
Reno Weather Risks & Safety
Winter Storm Risk
Winter storms near Reno can bring snow, ice, wind, and difficult travel. Radar helps show where precipitation is occurring and how it is moving, but this precipitation layer cannot reliably determine whether rain, freezing rain, or snow is reaching the ground. It also cannot show whether a road is icy. Check the local temperature forecast, current observations, National Weather Service alerts, and road reports before travelling. Follow the preparation and travel advice in official local notices.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flooding can develop quickly in Reno when slow-moving thunderstorms produce intense rain. Low-lying areas and roads with poor drainage can become dangerous while rain is still falling. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Thunderstorms near Reno may bring lightning, strong winds, hail, or heavy rain. Radar helps track precipitation position and movement, but it does not by itself confirm lightning at a location or the wind and hail conditions on the ground. Read current NWS forecasts, watches, and warnings for the expected hazards and timing. If a warning covers your location, follow its shelter instructions.
How to Use Reno Weather Radar
Check the Reno radar first
Start with the live radar before reading the longer forecast. Look for precipitation near Truckee River, then compare its movement with your location in Reno.
Compare radar with hourly timing
Use the hourly panel to see whether rain, snow, or storms are expected to last. Radar shows recent precipitation; hourly forecasts describe expected conditions, including temperature.
Plan around local routes
Before driving Arlington Avenue, check whether precipitation is moving across the route or forming nearby. Check road observations for travel impacts.
Recheck during alerts
Read watches and warnings from WFO REV for their affected area and timing. Use radar for precipitation.
Who Benefits from Reno Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Drivers on Arlington Avenue can check storm timing before leaving.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
People near Wingfield Park can compare rain radar with destination forecasts before heading out.
Event Planners & Families
Families and event planners can compare radar with hourly changes.
Outdoor Workers
Outdoor crews can time breaks around winter storms.