RIVERTON, Wyo. – Western and Central Wyoming face rising fire danger today as warm, dry air combines with gusty afternoon winds. Drivers, hikers, and ranchers should stay alert for fast-spreading fire risks, especially across Fremont and Johnson counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, southern Wyoming basins remain under elevated fire weather conditions through tonight, while isolated thunderstorms may spark across the northern mountains. Winds on U.S. Highway 20 near Riverton could gust near 21 mph, making travel and fire suppression more difficult.
Wednesday brings another hot and dry day with highs in the upper 80s across Riverton and Casper. Light winds shift in the afternoon, offering some relief, but fire danger remains. By Thursday, stronger gusts could return to the Big Horn Basin, increasing wildfire risk along with reduced visibility on rural roadways.
Relief arrives by the weekend. The NWS expects scattered showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon into Sunday, especially west of the Continental Divide. These storms may bring brief downpours and lightning, reducing fire danger but raising localized flooding risks in mountain valleys.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burns, secure loose materials ahead of wind gusts, and prepare for shifting weekend travel conditions. Weather spotters should continue to report wildfire smoke or storm activity as conditions evolve.
Five Day Forecast for Riverton, WY:
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 89°F, low 52°F.
- Thursday: Sunny, high 86°F, low 50°F. Gusts up to 21 mph.
- Friday: Sunny, high 78°F, low 48°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 82°F. 20% chance afternoon storms.
- Sunday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, high 80°F, low 51°F.
