Riverton, Wyo. – Dangerous wind gusts and an elevated fire threat loom over central Wyoming Thursday, just as communities prepare for Patriot Day events. Drivers along US-26 near Riverton should expect difficult travel conditions, with blowing dust and reduced visibility a real concern.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, widespread fire weather conditions will spread across western and central Wyoming Thursday. Gusts could top 50 mph in spots, and even brief thunderstorms may roll through late in the day. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and use caution with equipment that could spark fires.
Thursday will bring mostly sunny skies early, then scattered storms after 3 p.m. Riverton will see a high near 84 degrees, with southwest winds sustained at 20 mph and gusting higher. Casper faces a similar setup with winds building during the afternoon. By Thursday night, breezy conditions continue with lows dipping near 49 degrees.
Friday offers another round of scattered showers, mainly after noon, with highs close to 81. The unsettled pattern holds through Saturday, especially in western and northern Wyoming, where thunder chances increase.
Residents attending Patriot Day ceremonies should plan for breezy, unsettled weather and stay alert for quick-changing conditions. Travel on highways like US-20/26, WY-789, and I-25 may become hazardous with crosswinds and isolated storms.
Warnings remain in place for fire weather across the region through Saturday, with conditions expected to ease slightly by early next week.
Five Day Forecast for Riverton, WY:
- Thursday: High 84, slight chance of storms after 3 p.m., gusts near 50 mph.
- Friday: High 81, scattered showers after noon, breezy.
- Saturday: High 75, thunder chances, breezy with overnight low of 45.
- Sunday: Mostly clear, high near 77, calm overnight.
- Monday: Sunny, high 82, quiet start to the week.
