Riverton, WY – Wyoming is preparing for up to 6 inches of snow later this week as a cold front pushes into the region, bringing much-needed relief from ongoing wildfires but also creating potential travel hazards. Snowfall is expected to begin Thursday morning and continue into Friday, with higher elevations west of the Continental Divide likely seeing the most accumulation.
The National Weather Service in Riverton is predicting between 1 and 6 inches of snow, especially in mountainous areas. While this could aid in firefighting efforts, it may also lead to dangerous driving conditions, particularly along U.S. 26 and in the Wind River Range.
At the same time, much of central and western Wyoming remains under an air quality alert until Tuesday afternoon due to wildfire smoke from the Pack Trail fire. According to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, the smoke is creating poor visibility and unhealthy conditions, especially for vulnerable individuals like the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
As the cold front moves in, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with Thursday’s high around 65°F, falling to the low 30s by Friday night.
