textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Warming trend through mid week with elevated to near critical fire weather conditions.

- The next weather system will push in by Wednesday bringing increase precipitation chances and cooler temperatures.

UPDATE

Issued at 1200 PM MDT Sat Apr 18 2026

No change to the short term forecast as upper level ridging continues to build in from the southwest as depicted on IR. Warming trend and dry conditions persist through Tuesday ahead of the next weather system. Details unknown with ample uncertainty on its track and direct impacts across the CWA. Otherwise, a warming trend and dry conditions persist with only elevated to near critical fire weather concerns as winds will not be strong throughout.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 240 AM MDT Sat Apr 18 2026

A few lingering snow showers within the cyclonic northwest flow are noted early this morning across the northern half of the area. These will end by sunrise as upper ridging quickly takes over. After another widespread cold morning, temperatures will warm to around the climatological norm under mostly sunny skies. Otherwise, there will be some elevated fire weather concerns today given the dry airmass now in place. The lack of stronger wind will help keep this concern fairly limited, with the best potential for stronger wind largely over areas that received several inches of snow Thursday night (Natrona County). Accordingly, no fire weather hazards will be issued, though brief, localized critical conditions are possible (50- 60%) across portions of central Wyoming this afternoon, namely fire weather zones 283 and 289.

Ridging will dominate across the Rockies Sunday through early next week. Temperatures will peak in the mid to upper 60s on Sunday, rising into the 70s and 80s by Tuesday. Little to no precipitation is expected during this time. Each day will see elevated to near- critical fire weather conditions, though lighter wind will again be a limiting factor.

Ensemble guidance is hinting at the ridge breaking down on Wednesday as an upper level low approaches from the West Coast. As it currently stands, this would return precipitation chances to western Wyoming, spreading east through Thursday. As is common for the area, this setup is also favorable for strong wind ahead of the frontal passage; widespread critical fire weather conditions are possible Wednesday afternoon. Further out, guidance persists anomalously low 500 mb heights into next weekend, bringing additional chances for much-needed moisture.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z MONDAY/

Issued at 455 PM MDT Sat Apr 18 2026

VFR conditions through the period as high pressure builds over the region. Passing high (cirrus) clouds overnight, with a mostly clear sky Sunday. Winds are diurnally driven, with some increases Sunday afternoon for the usual locations.

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.