textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Temperatures will warm through the week, with above normal temperatures for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (10-15 deg above normal for the lower elevations and foothills).

- Breezy and gusty winds continue across parts of central and southern WY this afternoon and overnight, with slightly stronger winds returning on Thursday.

- Dry weather is expected this afternoon into Wednesday, with a storm system bringing light to moderate snow (or rain) to western, southwest, and southern Wyoming Thursday into Friday. Several inches of snow are expected for the western WY mountains.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 151 AM MST Tue Dec 30 2025

Quiet weather is expected through the end of the year. A ridge situated over the southwestern US brings mild temperatures and relatively light winds to the area the next couple days. Highs today are in the mid-30s to low 40s for much of the area, which are 5 to 10 degrees above normal for the end of December. Have dropped the western valley temperatures slightly, as has been the trend over the last couple days.

The next weather system of any note arrives as early as Thursday morning, with increasing clouds and precipitation from the west- southwest. This is in response to an upper-level low entering into southern California. However, this system gets absorbed into the flow and does not have any indications of anything potent. Light snow will be possible over the western and southwestern mountains as early as Thursday morning, but more likely later Thursday into Friday morning. Snow levels of 6500 to 7000 feet means light rain is possible for lower elevations. High pressure returns after this quick system, so temperatures won't fluctuate much with this disturbance.

Looking into next weekend, a trough to the west could bring some gusty winds as the pressure gradient tightens, but there is weak, if any, evidence of strong winds (55+ mph) at this time. With the ridge still in place, and some winds to mix the air, temperatures continue to warm, with currently forecasted highs (mid-40s to mid- 50s) hovering near daily records to start January.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 1026 AM MST Tue Dec 30 2025

VFR conditions are expected to prevail at terminals through the period as heights rise across the area. KCPR will continue to see a breezy southwest wind through much of the period. Otherwise, wind will generally remain under 10 knots at terminals with clear to scattered high cloud decks. Forecast soundings do not support the return of fog at KJAC for Wednesday morning as the near-surface layer dries, though trends will continue to be monitored for any possible inclusion with later TAF updates.

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.