textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Continued warm, dry, and breezy weather for the area the next few days. Near record high temperatures possible for the first half of the week.

- A weak system Tuesday brings minimal precipitation chances (up to 25 percent) for Yellowstone and the northern Bighorn Mountains.

- A weather system Thursday into Friday brings cooler (but seasonal) temperatures, but currently lacks signs of good precipitation chances.

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 /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z MONDAY/

Issued at 400 AM MST Sun Jan 11 2026

VFR conditions expected throughout the period. Winds remain elevated at CPR gusting up to 25kts pushing to 30kts by 16Z with daytime heating. COD will also increase in winds up to 25kts by 20Z, both remaining elevated through the overnight hours. Mid and upper level clouds continue to spill over the upper level ridge to the west, but otherwise, nothing significant to impact flying conditions. Dry weather with no other weather elements 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.