textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Warmer than average temperatures and dry conditions for the remainder of the work week and into the weekend.

- Next weather system looks to affect the area early next week but details unknown at this time.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1200 AM MST Wed Feb 4 2026

The shortwave that passed through earlier Tuesday and pushed east into the Great Plains deepening with its eastward progression. Upper level ridging is let in its wake building in from the southwest with increasing convergence aloft. The high is centered over California/Nevada and looks to be set in place for the remainder of the week and into the weekend. Temperatures will remain warmer than average by 10 to 20 degrees pushing some records east of the Divide. Otherwise, dry conditions and a weak flow pattern keeping any stronger winds at bay during this time.

Changes start to begin Saturday as the aforementioned ridge starts to break down and flatten due to a deepening trough off the Pacific northwest coast. As it pushes east, the main finger of the PFJ will start to dip further south Sunday with a more zonal flow across Wyoming come Monday. This will bring in western mountain snow as the trough continues to deepen and dig further south. The EC continues to trend further south with each passing run, now extending down to southern California and even into northern Baja California as well. If this comes to fruition, this will open up a more southwesterly upper level flow for the CWA that will increasing snow chances even east of the Divide giving way to much needed snowfall for the Bighorns, Casper Mountain and Rattlesnakes. It even depicts the trough to cut off by Thursday with little movement to be had further into the long term forecast. Time will tell on how this evolves but there is hope for next week for much needed precipitation for the lower elevations east of the Divide. Regardless, colder temperatures to more seasonable can be had with the coldest of the air still trapped well to the northeast into Canada.

In all, not much in way of weather for the next few days leading up to the big game, but following for next week, there could be a rare appearance of winter. The groundhog did see his shadow, so there extends the chances for winter to still come through for the state.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z THURSDAY/

Issued at 330 AM MST Wed Feb 4 2026

VFR conditions expected at all TAF sites for the entirety of the period. Light winds 10kts or less to start with mainly clear skies throughout. Winds will increase at CPR up to 25kts after 18Z and up to 18kts at PNA with daytime heating and mixing to the surface of the afternoon. These winds will diminish after 00Z towards sunset due to radiational cooling less than 10kts with the other TAF sites. No other weather elements are expected at this time.

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.