textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Dense high clouds continue across most of the state today, but no precipitation expected.

- The warming trend continues today, with highs in most locations reaching the 60s. This warming trend continues into midweek.

- Gustier winds Tuesday and Wednesday, along with very dry conditions, will lead to widespread elevated to critical fire weather concerns.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 214 AM MDT Mon Mar 23 2026

The H5 ridge remains slightly flattened to the south currently, allowing for some midlevel moisture to pour into the region from the Pacific. This is bringing some varying high cirrus, which will continue to sweep through today. With yesterday's cold front well to the east, the warming trend will kick back in today, with highs mainly in the 60s.

Starting tomorrow, the gradient across the start starts to tighten, leading to another round of gusty to strong winds for most locations. This along with dry air will increase the fire weather threat. Elevated concerns start Tuesday, with near critical winds and humidity Wednesday, possibly extending into Thursday. Will be hoisting a Fire Weather Watch for the day Wednesday for this scenario.

Another cold front is currently on tap, with latest timing racing southward Wednesday night and Thursday morning. There may be enough moisture for some light rain with this across far northern WY, but accumulations will be minimal. A considerable temperature drop is noted with this front, bringing highs back near normal in the 40s and 50s, with lows down into the 20s.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 1030 PM MDT Sun Mar 22 2026

VFR conditions expected throughout the period for all TAF sites. Light winds overnight into Monday morning with some high clouds spilling over the upper level ridge to the southwest. Otherwise, winds increase at BPI/PNA/RKS up to 25kts and CPR up to 18kts after 16-18Z with daytime heating and mixing to the surface. They will diminish after 01-02Z due to radiational cooling, but RIW will possibly see drainage winds after this point into the overnight hours and the end of the period but with low confidence (30-40%) carrying gusts up to 18kts at this point in time. No other weather elements are expected with dry conditions throughout.

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.