Riverton, WY – Residents in central and southwestern Wyoming should prepare for critical fire weather conditions Wednesday afternoon as hot, dry air and gusty winds raise wildfire risk. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch, urging caution for outdoor burning and spark-producing activities.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, the elevated fire danger will affect areas from the Bighorn Basin to the Wind River Mountains and portions of southern Wyoming. Afternoon wind gusts could reach 25 mph, combining with low humidity and temperatures near 96°F to create rapid fire spread potential.
Thunderstorm chances return Wednesday evening and persist daily through Sunday, with the highest coverage expected Friday afternoon and night. These storms could bring brief downpours, gusty winds, and lightning strikes capable of igniting new fires. Outdoor workers, campers, and travelers along US-26, WY-28, and I-80 should be alert to rapidly changing conditions.
Anyone in the affected areas should secure outdoor equipment, avoid open flames, and have evacuation routes planned. Additional advisories are possible if conditions worsen.
Five Day Forecast for Riverton, WY
- Tuesday: Sunny and hot. High 92°F, low 56°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny with critical fire danger in the afternoon, slight chance of evening storms. High 96°F, low 57°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 94°F, low 58°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, afternoon and evening storms likely. High 93°F, low 56°F.
- Saturday: Partly cloudy, slight storm chance. High 92°F, low 55°F.
