Riverton, Wyo. – Central Wyoming faces a double threat this weekend: wildfire smoke reducing air quality and thunderstorms capable of gusty winds and brief downpours. Drivers along I-25 and U.S. 26 should be prepared for reduced visibility and shifting conditions through early week.
According to the National Weather Service, Riverton is under an Air Quality Alert until 1 p.m. Sunday as smoke from distant wildfires drifts into the region. The haze is tied to ongoing fires in Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia, with Wyoming’s Dollar Lake fire also contributing. Residents with respiratory concerns are advised to limit outdoor activity.
Meanwhile, storm chances return Sunday evening, with a 20 percent risk of thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Gusts could reach 25 mph, with lightning and localized rainfall possible. Similar isolated storm chances linger through Tuesday and become more widespread Thursday and Friday as a disturbance tracks across the Rockies.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook also flags elevated fire danger midweek, as gusty winds and lightning may combine with dry fuels in central Wyoming. Outdoor burning should be avoided.
Despite the unsettled skies, temperatures remain seasonably warm, with highs in the mid-80s through Wednesday before dipping into the 70s by Friday.
Five-Day Forecast for Riverton, Wyoming
- Monday: Sunny, high 86°F, light west winds
- Tuesday: 20% chance of storms after 3 p.m., high 84°F
- Wednesday: 20% chance of storms after noon, high 85°F
- Thursday: Scattered storms likely, high 82°F, breezy
- Friday: Chance of storms, high 77°F, cooler evening
