textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Not as cool overnight with high clouds and weak winds. Warming trend continues Tuesday and Wednesday.

- Gustier winds Tuesday and Wednesday as well, along with very dry conditions. This will lead to widespread critical fire weather concerns, especially Wednesday afternoon and early evening.

- A mainly dry cold front brings cooler temperatures Thursday, with elevated fire conditions remaining for portions of the area as windy and dry weather remains.

UPDATE

Issued at 1247 PM MDT Mon Mar 23 2026

No notable changes to the forecast with this update. Today features warming temperatures with passing high clouds. Average highs this time of year are in the mid-40s (West of Divide) to mid-50s (East of Divide). Today's highs are in the 60s, with a few warmer areas possibly hitting the 70 degree mark. Cloud cover may limit temperatures, however.

Still looking to Wednesday for the highest impact day, with widespread gusty winds. Latest model trends suggest widespread 30+ mph gusts. With current projected jet stream positioning, the strongest winds would be further north. Eastern slopes of the Absaroka, Bighorn, and Wind River Ranges, and the nearby foothill locations like Cody, Buffalo, and Lander, are favored for the strongest winds in this pattern. Fire Weather Watches remain in place Wednesday due to the expected windy, dry, and warm conditions. Have considered High Wind Watches for eastern mountain slopes, but will hold off as many of the hi-res models don't quite go out that far, so confidence is lacking.

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 /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z WEDNESDAY/

Issued at 428 PM 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. 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.

FIRE WEATHER

Issued at 1247 PM MDT Mon Mar 23 2026

Much of this week will be dry, warm, and windy. A cold front Wednesday night brings cooler temperatures for Thursday, though humidity struggles to recover and breezy winds continue behind the front. Wednesday looks to be the day of greatest fire weather concerns. Well-above temperatures (roughly 25 to 30 degrees above normal) occur Wednesday, with highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Widespread winds 30 to 60 mph also occur, strongest for the eastern mountains and nearby lower elevations.

RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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