textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Gusty winds will continue through sunset east of the Divide behind a cold front. Light snow flurries are possible at times this evening with little to no accumulation.

- Above average temperatures, breezy winds, and mostly dry conditions are expected across the area through most of the week.

UPDATE

Issued at 1243 PM MST Sun Jan 18 2026

The forecast is on track early this afternoon; little changes were made. A weak cold front has made its way south through the area, with breezy winds for locations east of the Divide. This continues to be most notable across northern Johnson County which saw gusts of 50 to 60 mph earlier. Winds are on the decrease there as the 700mb and surface pressure gradients have relaxed behind the front. Lighter winds are expected everywhere after sunset. Otherwise, occasional light snow is expected in the mountains tonight though with little to no accumulation. Lower clouds will be seen over locations near northern slopes during this time, including at places like Casper, Lander and Thermopolis; snow flurries are possible (around 10%) out of the lower clouds at times this evening.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 123 AM MST Sun Jan 18 2026

The H5 ridge along the west coast is not going anywhere during the next few days, so the status quo continues across most of western and central Wyoming. Moisture content wrapping around the top of the ridge remains dry, so any systems passing through will have a hard time wringing out any precip. A weak shortwave is racing southward across the Plains this morning, with the tail edge just clipping along the edge of the Bighorn Range. Overnight webcams and road conditions show any precip that fell with this has been very light and dry, with minimal accumulation. Winds across Johnson County have been gusting 25 to 35 mph, with a few higher gusts. This has kept most light snow from accumulating, and would likely keep blowing the snow all the way to Nebraska...

The ridge will keep the area in the milder temperatures through the rest of this week, with high temperatures varying between the 30s and 40s, depending on any gusty winds bringing downsloping. Another weak shortwave again sweeps by to the northeast Tuesday night, bringing another round of gusty winds and light snow mainly to the Bighorns and northern Johnson County. The western valleys are unlikely to see any significant west winds this week being closer under the ridge, so cold pools in the valleys will hold in place, keeping temps in the 20s and low 30s.

Cautiously optimistic that the western ridge finally breaks down late this week, allowing a more significant weather system into northern Wyoming over the upcoming weekend. This may bring a considerable drop in temperatures and a better chance for snowfall for all mountain ranges through the weekend.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/

Issued at 1045 AM MST Sun Jan 18 2026

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

VFR conditions are expected to prevail at terminals through the period. KRKS will see gusts to near 20 knots this afternoon but otherwise light wind is expected. Some guidance is hinting at fog in upper Jackson Hole tonight, but confidence is very low for this to impact KJAC and will not include in the forecast.

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

Gusty winds along a cold front will been through the daylight hours at several terminals, most notably at KCOD, KCPR, KRIW, and KWRL with gusts of 20 to 25 knots. There is a low chance (20%) for showers in the mountains but these are not expected to impact terminals. Broken to overcast VFR ceilings will be seen at most terminals; KCPR and KLND will have the best chance at seeing ceilings drop to near MVFR tonight, but VFR conditions are expected to prevail for now.

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

RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.