textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Mild, dry, and breezy conditions prevail across much of the state today.

- A nearby disturbance may bring an isolated shower or two over the weekend for the high elevations of northern WY.

- January comes to an end with the all too familiar mild and dry conditions persisting, unfortunately the first week of February looks to see much of the same.

UPDATE

Issued at 127 PM MST Thu Jan 29 2026

Minimal updates for the near-term forecast, as high pressure holds in place across most of the state. The next wave sweeping across Montana late tomorrow is a bit closer to WY than previous runs, which has nudged up snowfall chances slightly for the western mountains, and a hint of snow into the KBYG region. Still not expecting much more than an inch or two Friday night for higher elevations, and just a dusting for northern Johnson County.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 226 AM MST Thu Jan 29 2026

A weak cold front passage on Wednesday brought some isolated light snow showers to portions of the state. Light snow accumulation fell across the higher elevation mountains of western and northern WY. Thursday will see a return to quieter conditions with temperatures once again warming. Highs look to get into the low 40s east of the Divide today with cooler temperatures in the upper 20s to mid 30s west of the Divide. Winds increase some for much of the state with a breeze developing in the afternoon. Speeds will be around 10 to 20 mph with periodic gusts of 25 to 35 mph. Westerly/northwesterly flow will keep isolated snow showers across the higher elevations of western and northern WY. These locations may see some additional snow accumulations through the day on Thursday with amounts ranging from a light coating to possibly an inch on the highest peaks.

An all too common occurrence throughout this winter has been potent areas of high pressure over the western CONUS. To no surprise another one will gradually build across the region for the end of January. Friday will see the high start influencing the state with temperatures continuing to warm and conditions remaining dry. Temperatures Friday get into the mid 40s east of the Divide and upper 30s west of the Divide. More warming is forecast over the weekend as the high moves farther east, leading to well above normal temperatures. Weekend temperatures look to get 10 to 20 degrees above normal with highs forecast to get into the low 50s east of the Divide and low to mid 40s west of the Divide. High pressure looks to keep most of the impacts from a nearing disturbance out of the area on Saturday. That being said some minor impacts may be seen in portions of the state. A very isolated shower or two may clip parts of northern WY with chances mainly in the higher elevations. A stray shower cannot be ruled out for Johnson County but at this time chances look to be low. Otherwise, winds look to be the other impact as a result of the nearby system. The highest winds would be across portions of Johnson County but currently winds do not look overly concerning. Elsewhere, some breezy winds may develop but once again nothing too concerning as it is Wyoming after all.

The first days of February will see high pressure gradually move further east. Some forecast models during the day on Wednesday tried to show a disturbance move in Monday. However, the most recent models this morning are showing this potential disturbance remain unorganized leading to little to no impacts here. There is general consensus among the top models but being multiple days out there is time for things to change, so it bears monitoring. This disturbance does look to help suppress the high south, allowing for another weak system to possibly move through for the first half of the week. Impacts currently look minimal but a brief period of cooler temperatures may move back into the area for Tuesday/Wednesday. The remainder of the week has remained mostly unchanged as mid to long range forecast models have kept one constant. That constant is a very potent high pressure building in over much of the western CONUS. Models are showing an impressive feature with ridging possibly building up all the way into portions of British Columbia. This would support dry conditions and warm temperatures prevailing across the region. CPC outlooks have highlighted this possibility for the past few days and the forecast remains on track. So unfortunately those hoping to see cold and snowier weather, may have to wait a bit longer.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 1017 AM MST Thu Jan 29 2026

Dry weather and VFR flight conditions prevail this TAF period with northwesterly flow aloft. There is a 20% chance of low MVFR to IFR clouds moving into KJAC Friday morning; however, given the low chances there is no direct mention in TAF at this time. These 20% chances of low clouds at KJAC are reflected in a SCT010 group. Breezy west to northwest winds are forecast at KCOD, KRIW, KCPR, KRKS, and KPNA this afternoon and evening with gusts generally between 20kts and 25kts. Gusts largely diminish at most of the aforementioned five terminals between 01Z and 04Z, but winds remain elevated into the overnight hours. Relatively light winds are forecast at all other terminals the entire TAF period.

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.