textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Shower activity for eastern counties diminish and push east by sunrise Saturday morning.

- Warmer than average temperatures and mainly dry conditions for the next week outside of a weak frontal boundary Monday.

- Minimal snow chances (10-20%) for the northern Bighorns and points east Monday evening with a weak system with the main impact of increased clouds and temperatures not quite as warm.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1200 AM MST Sat Jan 31 2026

WV imagery depicts a strong upper level ridge across much of the western United States with IR showing the mid and upper level clouds spilling in across much of the state. The weak system that pushes through earlier Friday will push further east with any weak showers across eastern counties doing so as well by sunrise Saturday morning. Otherwise, high pressure builds strongly in from the west through the day as skies clear west to east by late morning and into the afternoon hours. Relatively light winds outside of some breezy conditions for the wind corridor, especially for northern Johnson out of Sheridan County, and warming temperatures. Temperatures expected to be 10 to 20 degrees above average for this time of year to start the month of February, even west of the Divide. Widespread 50s to near 60 to the east Monday onward.

The only thing of note in the long term forecast will be a weak system and associated cold front will push through Monday. This will knock well above average temperatures Tuesday to just above average 5 to 15 degrees. Otherwise, cloudy skies and breezier conditions to be had Monday with slight snow chances (10-20%) for Monday evening and through the overnight hours into Tuesday for the northern Bighorns and points east across Johnson County. Outside of this weak chance for precipitation, nothing can be seen on the horizon through at least the first week of February with longer term model solutions indicating the strong upper level ridge to be in place with ample convergence aloft to support it.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 940 PM MST Fri Jan 30 2026

BKN-OVC FL070-120 will remain in place over the forecast area through 12Z. Very light snow chances (less than 20%) will remain possible at KJAC, KCOD, KCPR, and KWRL, as these clouds progress from west to east during this timeframe. However, the most likely scenario is that the surrounding mountains will see light snow so left the VCSH in the forecast. Anticipate mountain top obscurations with any light snow showers over the mountains. At KJAC, brief instances of MVFR ceilings cannot be ruled out (20%-30% chance) through 12Z as well and these chances are reflected in a SCT030 group. Additionally, turbulent winds will occur over the northern mountains between 09Z and 16Z.

Gusty winds of 30 to 35kt are expected to return at KCOD through 13Z, decreasing slightly to 25kt and continue through the rest of the day. Similar winds of 25 to 30kt will develop at KCPR and KRKS after 15Z. There is a 70% chance of gusty northwest winds at KRIW returning for several hours after 09Z. Strong northwest winds with gusts up to 40kt will develop in the wake of a cold front over northern Johnson County after 18Z. Relatively light winds are forecast at all other terminals, with winds decreasing across the area after 00Z.

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.