Reno, Nevada — A newly released climate summary from the National Weather Service shows that 2025 was one of the warmest and most unusual weather years on record for Reno, marked by persistent warmth, scarce snowfall, and several extreme weather events.
Second Warmest Year on Record for Reno
According to the National Weather Service office in Reno, 2025 finished as the second warmest calendar year ever recorded, surpassed only by 2014. Warm conditions dominated much of the year, with five months ranking among the top 10 warmest in city history — May, June, September, November, and December.
Late-year warmth stood out in particular. Both November and December set new records as the warmest ever observed, continuing a trend of extended mild conditions into what is typically Reno’s coldest season.
Record-Breaking Heat Events
Temperature extremes further defined the year. Two record monthly high temperatures were established:
- 99°F on May 31, setting a new May record
- 78°F on November 1, an unusually high temperature for late autumn
Meteorologists noted that prolonged high-pressure systems and reduced cold-air intrusions contributed to these anomalies.
Above-Average Rainfall, Despite Dry Winters
While snowfall was scarce, overall precipitation told a different story. Reno recorded 9.57 inches of precipitation in 2025, finishing 2.22 inches above the long-term average. This placed the year as the 27th wettest on record.
The city experienced five record wet calendar days, occurring on:
- January 25
- April 14
- July 27
- November 17
- December 24
Several of these events were associated with intense but short-lived storm systems, producing brief flooding concerns in low-lying areas.
Snowfall Far Below Normal
Despite above-average rainfall, snow was largely absent. Reno recorded only 8.3 inches of snow for the entire year, which is 12.6 inches below normal.
- The largest single snowfall was just 3.6 inches on February 13
- No measurable snowfall has occurred at KRNO since March 31
Forecasters emphasized that warm storm systems and higher snow levels prevented accumulation in the valley, pushing snowpack formation farther into the Sierra Nevada.
Strong Winds Add to Weather Extremes
Wind also played a major role in Reno’s 2025 weather pattern. The National Weather Service reported three days ranking among the windiest on record for average wind speed.
- Highest daily average wind: 48 mph on March 16
- Strongest wind gust: 70 mph on February 2
These wind events contributed to downed trees, power disruptions, and hazardous travel conditions across Washoe County.
A Year Defined by Warmth
Meteorologists summarized 2025 with a clear takeaway: warmth was the defining feature. While precipitation totals ended above normal, the lack of cold air fundamentally changed how that moisture fell, dramatically reducing snow totals.
Climate experts say Reno’s 2025 weather fits into a broader regional trend of rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and more frequent weather extremes across the western United States.
Residents and planners are being encouraged to consider the long-term impacts of continued warming, particularly on water resources, wildfire risk, and winter recreation industries dependent on consistent snowfall.
