Wyoming — Headlights glow softly through patches of fog early across the Wind River Basin as cold air settles close to the ground. Visibility fluctuates street by street, and the morning carries that quiet, frozen stillness common to mid-January in central Wyoming.
According to the National Weather Service, patchy fog lingers through the morning hours around Riverton and nearby valleys, clearing gradually as sunshine strengthens. Temperatures rebound nicely this afternoon, reaching the low 40s. That brief warmth feels noticeable after recent cold, especially for MLK Day travel and outdoor plans.
Drivers should stay alert early, particularly on WY-789 and local rural roads, where fog can reduce visibility quickly. Even after skies brighten, shaded stretches may remain slick from refreezing moisture.
Tonight turns sharply colder. Clear skies allow temperatures to drop into the teens, setting up frost and isolated icy spots by early Tuesday. Any melted snow refreezes fast after sunset, increasing the risk of black ice during late-night and early-morning travel.
Tuesday stays dry and seasonable, with highs again near the low 40s as clouds gradually decrease. Winds remain light, keeping conditions calm. The pattern shifts midweek. Wednesday brings bright sunshine but cooler air, with highs slipping into the mid-30s. Nights turn colder, dropping into the single digits by Wednesday night.
Thursday continues the colder trend. Afternoon highs struggle into the upper 30s, while overnight lows fall near single digits again. While no significant snow is expected, persistent cold keeps winter hazards in play, especially during morning commutes.
Looking ahead, longer-range outlooks suggest temperatures hover near seasonal levels across Wyoming, while much colder air grips the Midwest and Great Lakes. For now, Riverton avoids major storms but sees repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles.
Plan for fog early, sunshine midday, and icy conditions after dark.
Are roads foggy or slick where you are this morning? Share what you’re seeing around Riverton.
Five-Day Outlook for Riverton, WY
Today: Patchy fog early, then sunny, high near 41
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 41
Wednesday: Sunny, cooler, high near 35
Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 37
Friday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 28
