Weather
Central Wyoming Weather Oct. 16–20: Cold Gives Way to Warmth
RIVERTON, WY — A sharp temperature swing is taking shape in central Wyoming, where Riverton could experience a hard overnight chill followed by afternoon temperatures in the 70s as the weekend arrives
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-14T10:56:33.001Z
RIVERTON, WY — A sharp temperature swing is taking shape in central Wyoming, where Riverton could experience a hard overnight chill followed by afternoon temperatures in the 70s as the weekend arrives.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, temperatures are expected to fall to approximately 28 degrees Thursday night, Oct. 15, before rebounding to 64 degrees Friday and 71 degrees Saturday.
The transition follows a wet start to the week, with showers expected Wednesday before skies gradually clear Thursday.
For residents across the Riverton area of Fremont County, the most immediate concern is the below freezing temperature expected before Friday's warming trend begins.
Temperatures Drop Below Freezing Thursday will bring improving conditions following Wednesday's rainfall, with mostly sunny skies and afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 57 degrees.
However, clearing skies Thursday night will accompany a substantial temperature drop.
The National Weather Service expects Riverton to reach around 28 degrees overnight, cold enough to threaten unprotected sensitive vegetation and exposed outdoor plumbing.
Residents with vulnerable plants or outdoor watering equipment should consider taking precautions before temperatures fall.
By Friday afternoon, sunshine and lighter winds will help temperatures recover into the mid 60s.
Another chilly night follows Friday, although the expected low of 31 degrees will be slightly warmer than Thursday night's reading.
Weekend Warmup Brings 70s Saturday marks the warmest day of the five day outlook, with sunny skies and a high near 71 degrees.
That represents a 14 degree increase from Thursday's projected afternoon high and a notable contrast to the freezing overnight temperatures earlier in the period.
Sunday and Monday should remain similarly pleasant, with afternoon temperatures holding near 70 degrees under mostly sunny or sunny skies.
Overnight temperatures will remain considerably cooler, generally falling into the 30s.
By Tuesday, temperatures are expected to reach the upper 60s, although the National Weather Service introduces a slight chance of showers.
The forecast suggests an extended stretch of mostly dry weather following Wednesday's rainfall, giving residents several opportunities for outdoor activities during the weekend and early next week.
Five Day Weather Outlook: Oct. 16–20 Temperatures below represent National Weather Service forecasts for Riverton, Wyoming, in Fremont County. Conditions may differ across surrounding central Wyoming communities, particularly at higher elevations.
Friday, Oct. 16: Sunny, with a high near 64°. Light east northeast winds around 5 mph. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 31°. Saturday, Oct. 17: Sunny and noticeably warmer, with a high near 71°. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 36°. Sunday, Oct. 18: Sunny, with a high near 70°. Clear overnight, with a low around 35°. Monday, Oct. 19: Sunny and mild, with a high near 70°. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 39°. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Mostly sunny, with a slight chance of showers and a high near 68°. Overnight forecast details unavailable.