textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Breezy west wind affecting Natrona County, Johnson County, and the Cody Foothills Sunday night will allow nighttime lows to be closer to typical daytime highs.

- Warm and dry conditions prevail through at least Wednesday across the Cowboy State. High temperatures each day average around 15 to 20 degrees above seasonal normals.

- Isolated showers may be possible Tuesday over the higher elevations of northern Wyoming, namely the Bighorn Range.

- Quiet and mild weather persists through the end of the week with a disturbance possibly bringing cooler temperatures Thursday into Friday.

UPDATE

Issued at 1149 AM MST Sun Jan 11 2026

Not much to add with the update as things are expected to remain quiet with high pressure building across the western CONUS. Temperatures will be well above normal through the next few days. Highs are forecast to get into the low to mid 50s east of the Divide and upper 30s to low 40s west of the Divide. Precipitation chances have continued to lower regarding the weak disturbance Tuesday. The best chances (10-20%) will be along the northern portion of the Bighorns with little to no chances elsewhere. Models still are uncertain regarding the potential for a nearby system bringing cooler temperatures and precipitation chances by Thursday into Friday. Currently, cooler temperatures are looking more likely but precipitation chances have continued to lower. This system being 4-5 days out there still is time for things to change and a better idea of what to expect should become clearer over the next few days.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 119 AM MST Sun Jan 11 2026

High pressure builds over the western US today, bringing warming temperatures and dry conditions. Highs today are in the 30s west of the Divide and 40s east of the Divide (with near 50 in a few spots). Gusty winds 20 to 30 mph continue for some locations, like the Wind Corridor from South pass to Casper and the eastern slopes of mountains. Wind prone areas could see winds 30 to 40 mph. Overall, today should be very similar to yesterday, just a bit warmer.

This area of high pressure dominates the next couple days, as it diverts the moisture north of the area. As a result, warm and dry conditions occur, with highs nearing 20 degrees above normal and possibly setting daily records. A weak system Tuesday brings a small amount of moisture, maybe just enough for a few light showers around Yellowstone and the northern Bighorn Mountains, but any accumulations at this time look to be minimal to none. This system also continues gusty winds for portions of the area Monday and Tuesday. Much the same Wednesday, with a continued warm and dry weather pattern.

The next more notable system is Thursday into Friday, which brings colder air from the north-northeast. Depending on timing, this could effect highs as early as Thursday. If the system is later, (as currently projected) highs Thursday continue to be abnormally warm. Highs Friday, after frontal passage, are near seasonal despite 10 to 15 degree drops from the previous day. Wind could also be a factor with this system, with post-frontal north winds strongest for locations like the Bighorn Basin and Johnson County. Still some uncertainty with this system given its about 5 day out. An omega block looking pattern could set-up, keeping high pressure over the western US into next weekend, favoring continued warm, dry, and breezy weather.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 954 PM MST Sun Jan 11 2026

All terminals to be VFR through the forecast period ending 06Z/Tuesday. Only mid and high-level cloud cover spilling over a ridge to our west and drifting south across the region. The primary aviation impact will be gusty southwest to west surface wind, especially at KCPR and KCOD where 15-30kt speeds persist. KRKS sees a westerly surface wind 12-20kts increase around 18Z/Monday and prevail at least into the evening hours Monday.

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.