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 area 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 /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 1053 AM MDT Mon Mar 23 2026

A strong area of high pressure will remain to the south of Wyoming across the southwestern US and the jet stream just north of Wyoming through the TAF period. This will keep wind from the west and some mid to high clouds (FL100-250) streaming across the area. Wind will be gusty this afternoon, especially across southern Wyoming. On average wind speeds at KBPI, KPNA, and KRKS will be about 15 knots, with gusts around 25 knots until 01-02Z this evening. A northwest drainage wind will develop at KRIW from 23-04Z this evening.

High pressure will begin to get pushed further south Tuesday afternoon, which will result in increased wind. Many terminals will see wind increase by 16-17Z Tuesday morning. Expect wind to be 15-20 knots, with gusts of 20-30 knots at most terminals late Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon. Clouds will lower slightly late Tuesday morning (FL050-100), but overall will be FEW to SCT.

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

Fire Weather Watch from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening for WYZ275>277-279>283-289.