textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Temperatures east of the Divide are 12-18F below normal today, in the wake of a cold front Friday night. Cloud cover through Saturday evening aids in the cooler temperatures.

- Lingering precipitation lasts late today around the northern mountains, though a majority of rain/mountain snow has already fallen.

- A warming trend starts Sunday, with limited to no rain chances into next week.

- Elevated to critical fire weather conditions in place starting Monday, with Tuesday looking to be the most critical as widespread winds increase.

UPDATE

Issued at 937 AM MDT Sat Jun 13 2026

Clouds have fully moved in east of the Divide, while a clear sky is present west of the Divide - very much a tale of two divides today. Have lowered highs a touch east of the Divide today as high temperatures will likely struggle to reach the mid-60s. Precipitation lingers longest around Johnson County, ending around sunset, though most falls before noon. A few showers could also continue over the Absaroka Mountains into tonight. Otherwise, the forecast remains on track for increasing temperatures this week, back into the 80s and 90s Tuesday. Widespread elevated to critical fire weather is possible Tuesday as winds increase.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 147 AM MDT Sat Jun 13 2026

The cold front reached the Divide early this morning and will cross the Divide after sunrise as it slowly continues southward today. An area of showers continues just north of the state line over southern MT. These showers will reach the Bighorn Basin and northern portions of Johnson County by the predawn hours. Most of the precipitation will occur in Johnson County and the Bighorns, where model trends have increased amounts close 0.50" near Buffalo and Powder River Pass between 12Z and 18Z (6AM and 12PM). This would result in snowfall amounts of 5-6" above 9000ft. There is currently no lightning occurring in these showers and none are expected through the rest of the morning, as conditions are relatively stable with temperatures in the 40s and lower 50s. These showers will dwindle by 18Z, with a 30 to 60% chance continuing over the Absarokas and Bighorns through the rest of the day. An isolated lightning strike could occur over these areas in the afternoon, but confidence is low. The rest of the forecast area will be dry and cool, with temperatures in the 50s to lower 60s east of the Divide and in the 60s and 70s west of the Divide. The progression of the cold front over southern portions will be slowed by northwest winds over southwestern portions of the state. The front will finally reach the Green River Basin after sunset, as the northwest winds weaken. Easterly wind gusts of 25 to 45 mph will occur across southern portions of the CWA behind the front through the night and into Sunday morning.

Seasonal temperatures will be in place across the CWA Sunday with highs in the upper 60s into the 70s. Conditions will be dry, except for very isolated showers possible over central portions throughout the day. Winds will be light as well, with gusts of 20 t0 25 mph occurring over the southern half of Sweetwater County.

A warming trend will begin Monday, with a northwest flow pattern aloft in place. Heights will rise Tuesday within this pattern, leading to high temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s in the Wind River and Bighorn Basins and portions of Natrona County. Temperatures will be slightly cooler Wednesday, as a cold front clips northern portions of the state. This looks to be the best chances for any precipitation next week as well, as much of the week looks to stay dry. Fire weather conditions will be elevated to critical through the week as well, with Tuesday looking to be the most critical.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1229 PM MDT Sat Jun 13 2026

West of the Divide...KBPI/KJAC/KPNA/KRKS Terminals.

VFR and mostly clear skies are expected for terminals through the day. KBPI, KPNA, and KRKS will see gusts to around 20 knots through the afternoon. KRKS will then see a northeasterly shift as a cold front arrives around 01Z, bringing gusts to 35 knots through 09Z.

East of the Divide...KCOD/KCPR/KLND/KRIW/KWRL Terminals.

A cold front has led to lower clouds east of the Divide. MVFR ceilings are most likely to continue at KCPR for the next few hours, with lower VFR ceilings at KCOD, KLND, KRIW, and KWRL through tonight. Light rain seen across portions of northern Wyoming will continue to decrease this afternoon with no further terminal impacts expected. Wind will be elevated at times through this evening behind the front. Clouds will begin to decrease late Sunday morning.

Please see the Aviation Weather Center and/or CWSU ZDV and ZLC for the latest information on smoke, icing, and turbulence forecasts.

RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.