Cheyenne, WY – Wyoming enters the December 13–26 holiday stretch under a near-normal temperature and precipitation outlook, according to new NOAA long-range guidance. While the pattern doesn’t strongly favor major winter storms, it absolutely does not rule out a white Christmas — especially in a state where early-winter snowfall can develop quickly with the right setup.
According to NOAA, Wyoming sits in a “Near Normal” zone for both temperatures and precipitation during the key holiday travel window. This neutral pattern means the state could see periods of mild weather mixed with quick-moving cold fronts capable of producing snow, particularly across the High Plains and the central and western mountains.
According to NOAA meteorologists, Wyoming’s terrain and elevation often act as built-in snow enhancers even during near-normal patterns. Areas including Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Jackson, and the Wind River and Bighorn ranges frequently see December snowfall when Pacific systems interact with colder Canadian air.
While temperatures are expected to hover close to seasonal averages, even slight drops behind passing fronts can allow for accumulating snow — especially east of the Rockies where upslope flow can rapidly increase snowfall potential. Cities along I-25 and I-80 have historically recorded Christmas-week snow even in neutral climate years.
Meteorologists note that the December 18–24 period is typically active across the Rockies and northern Plains as storm energy exits the West. Any system during this time that taps into colder air could produce travel impacts, particularly across Wyoming’s wind-prone and high-elevation roadways.
Although no specific storms can be identified yet, Wyoming remains very much in play for late-December snow, with the door open for holiday travel disruptions if a stronger system develops.
Residents should monitor updated forecasts as mid-December approaches for clearer guidance on storm timing and snowfall potential.
