textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- After a cold morning, temperatures will warm to around normal today. Low humidity and breezy winds will lead to elevated to near critical fire weather conditions across much of central Wyoming this afternoon.

- Warming temperatures and continued dry conditions are expected Sunday through early next week. Elevated fire weather conditions will be seen each afternoon.

- The next system is favored to arrive by the middle of next week, though confidence remains low on the scope of impacts to the area.

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 /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 418 AM MDT Sat Apr 18 2026

Wind will generally light through around 15 to 16Z, with some increases by following that. The strongest wind gusts will be in vicinity of KCPR where gusts to around 25 knots are possible after 18Z this afternoon, with KRIW, KRKS and KPNA possibly seeing gusts to near 20 knots. Most wind should decrease after sunset tonight. Skies will be mostly clear throughout the day Saturday, with more mid and high level clouds tonight. However, VFR conditions are expected through the period.

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

Freeze Warning until 9 AM MDT this morning for WYZ003>006-010- 011-017>020.