textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Wind continues and strengthens after sunrise Saturday, with gusts of 45 to 65 mph impacting most of Wyoming. High Wind Warnings remain in effect for much of the area.

- A cold front will bring moderate accumulating snow to the mountains Saturday. Central and northern Wyoming basins east of the Continental Divide could also see an inch or two of snow Saturday evening into Sunday morning.

- Temperatures on Sunday will be about 15 to 35 degrees colder than those experienced Saturday. - Confidence is high (90%) for well above average temperatures from Tuesday into next weekend, with record-breaking heat looking increasingly likely.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 303 AM MDT Sat Mar 14 2026

The day is finally here for the last day for expected high winds across the Cowboy State. That is not to say there still won't be a few days of gusty winds through Wednesday, but 60+ mph winds are not expected from here on out through the next 7 days.

The flow pattern aloft will become more zonal today, as a storm system drops southward over northwestern MT. This will tighten the pressure gradient, with high winds returning to several locations. Windy conditions will be widespread once again, with gusts of 40 to 55 mph impacting much of the CWA. High Wind Warnings remain in effect for much of the forecast area, starting in the Cody Foothills and Hot Springs County this morning and spreading to include most areas east of the Divide and southern portions by 18Z. Expect gusts of 50 to 65 mph in these areas. Snow levels of 6500 to 7000ft are in place across much of the area this morning with snow occurring over northwestern portions. Snow will then increase after sunrise, with periods of moderate to heavy snow possible in the afternoon as the cold front approaches. There will be a convective component adding to the heavier snowfall rates, as CAPE values of 100-200 J/kg will possible ahead of the front. Snowfall amounts have come down slightly, but still expect amounts up to 12 inches over the higher elevations of the Tetons, Gros Ventres, Bighorns and western slopes of the Absarokas. Amounts of 4 to 8 inches expected elsewhere including the Salt River/Wyoming Ranges and YNP. There could even be a thunderstorm over portions of the Jackson/Star Valleys this afternoon, with the added instability. The aforementioned CAPE values is due to how warm conditions are ahead of this strong cold front. There could even be a thunderstorm over southern Sublette/western Sweetwater counties, as rain showers develop over southern portions of the CWA late in the afternoon.

The cold front will begin to push into far northern WY by 21Z, quickly pushing southward and reaching the Divide by 03Z. Precipitation will quickly turn from rain to snow behind the front, as temperatures rapidly drop (Cody looks to drop from 53F to 34F between 21Z and 00Z; Buffalo 48F to 34F). Roads may become icy in these areas in the evening, as snow begins to accumulate. Snowfall amounts east of the Divide have come down, with an 1 to 1.5 inch for Cody, Buffalo and areas along I-25 in Natrona County, including Casper. The rest of the area will have up to 1 inch, at best. The snow tonight east of the Divide looks to occur as snow squalls, as chances occur in a 2 to 4 hour period tonight. The fast progression of the front will allow the more drier aspect of the airmass to take over. So while temperatures will be cold enough for snow, the available moisture will get pushed southward with the front. Winds will begin to decrease across the CWA after 00Z with the approach of the front, but portions of the Bighorn Basin and northern Johnson County (which are prone to post-frontal northerly winds) will have northerly gusts of 45 to 55 mph behind the front through the overnight hours tonight. Winds will be decreasing across the area through the rest of the night, with gusts up to 25 mph still impacting a few areas by sunrise Sunday morning. It will be a raw day for the ides of March, with readings 15 to 35 degrees colder from Saturday leaving daytime highs in the 20s and 30s. North to northwest winds will be in place, with breezy conditions returning to areas west of the Divide. Gusts of 25 to 35 mph will be widespread, including in the western mountains. These cold conditions will be temporary though (it is March after all), as a strong ridge builds over the West Coast Monday irt a strong storm over the eastern half of the CONUS. Temperatures will rebound into the 40s and 50s, with gusty winds returning again. Gusts of 25 to 40 mph will occur again over southern and southwestern portions, as well as portions of Natrona County.

The story from Tuesday onward will be the above normal temperatures as the high center from the ridge moves inland and settles over the Desert Southwest in the form of a 592dm high. This is very anomalous for this time of year and looks to result in highs in the 70s. Highs could reach into the lower 80s for portions east of the Divide by Thursday. Tuesday looks to be another breezy to windy day (wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph), as the ridge will still be well to the west of the region and allow the PFJ to be over the Northern Rockies. This translates to 700mb northwest winds of 25-45kt. This trend looks to go away by Wednesday, as the high center moves over the Desert Southwest. River levels may begin to rise by next Friday, but soil conditions remain very dry and are expected to absorb any extra water.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1106 AM MDT Sat Mar 14 2026

A messy next 24 hours. Today, strong west winds will be over the area, with widespread gusts 30 to 50 knots and occasional strong gusts. Around 00z/Sun, a potent cold front moves in from the north. This front brings a quick temperature drop, along with gusty northerly winds in its wake. Along with the front, precipitation chances. Initially, temperatures may be warm enough to start as rain, but should quickly transition to snow as temperatures drop. With the precipitation, there could be brief heavy showers, bringing quick changes in visibilities. There is also the chance for an isolated thunderstorm. Precipitation ends overnight, lingering longest around KCPR.

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

Winter Weather Advisory until 11 PM MDT this evening for WYZ001-002-008-009-012.

High Wind Warning until 8 PM MDT this evening for WYZ003-005- 007-011-015>020-022.

High Wind Warning until 11 PM MDT this evening for WYZ026>030.