textproduct: Western and Central Wyoming

KEY MESSAGES

- Tranquil weather conditions for Easter Sunday with warming temperatures and light winds.

- A weather system will bring precipitation to mainly the western mountains, with near critical fire weather possible east of the Divide.

- A series of weather systems will bring additional precipitation chances Wednesday through Friday with details not for certain at this time.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 130 AM MDT Sun Apr 5 2026

Weak northwest flow continues across the CWA with the main axis of the upper level ridge to the west keeping the main finger of the PFJ well north and northeast into Canada and the Dakotas. This is evident on satellite with clear skies to continue through the short term forecast. Warming trend expected Sunday through the middle of the next work week as temperatures push 10 to 20 degrees above average for this time of year in early April. The aforementioned ridge does start to break down and flatten as the jet pushes southward across the northern parts of the state by midday Tuesday. This will bring the first of a series of subtle and weak shortwaves for the rest of the week as the gradient near the surface tightens Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. As a result, elevated to near critical fire weather concerns likely east of the Divide due to gusty winds and low humidity values. A bit cooler and not as dry the remainder of the week.

Precipitation wise, the forecast still has quite a bit of uncertainty but increased chances for the western mountains Tuesday and shifted to the northern mountains and Bighorns Wednesday. The northwest flow that the EC portrays keeps the uncertainty further south and for the lower valleys/basins at this time but the PFJ looks to retreat northeastward by Thursday night. This will build in another upper level ridge for Friday and into next weekend. An upper level low looks to cutoff during this time over the Sierra Nevadas that will be interesting to keep an eye on but as of now, the current track keeps it south and bring some much needed moisture for the desert SW and into NM/CO as well. Stay tuned for updated forecasts in the coming days but enjoy Easter Sunday and to start the new work week.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z MONDAY/

Issued at 500 AM MDT Sun Apr 5 2026

VFR conditions through the period as high pressure influences the area. Winds are light and diurnally driven, with speeds generally 10 knots or less. High clouds increase towards the end of the 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.