CASPER, Wyo. — Casper will see warm, dry weather today, with gusty winds leading to elevated fire weather concerns across central Wyoming.
The National Weather Service in Riverton is forecasting similar weather for the next few days, with a weak weather system expected in western Wyoming by late Wednesday.
Today and tonight, elevated fire weather conditions are expected in eastern Fremont and Natrona counties until about 6 p.m.
Fire Weather Alert for Central Wyoming
Elevated fire weather conditions are forecast to continue through the week. Wednesday and Thursday will see similar conditions, with potential strong winds on Wednesday night into Thursday morning affecting the lee side of central mountains and Outer Drive in Casper.
“Today mirrors yesterday — warm, dry, and windy. A ridge over the Great Plains brings southwest flow, causing gusty winds, particularly in the Central Wind Corridor,” NWS Meteorologist Taylor Wittmann states.
Wittmann notes that peak wind gusts could reach 30–45 mph, especially in wind-prone locations.
Despite slightly higher humidity levels than yesterday, elevated fire weather conditions remain due to low humidity and gusty winds. Temperatures are projected to be 5–15 degrees above normal.
Upcoming Weather Shift
A broad trough descending from the Pacific Northwest is expected to bring a shift by Wednesday. While Wednesday will stay dry with widespread gusty winds, precipitation chances increase on Thursday, particularly in northwest Wyoming.
The incoming system is anticipated to be relatively dry, with low amounts of rain or snow expected.
A significant aspect of this weather system may be strong winds from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with the potential for gusts exceeding 50 mph in areas like Outer Drive in Casper. However, Wittmann cautions that this forecast is still developing.
By Thursday night, as the system moves eastward, a high-pressure ridge will lead to calmer winds on Friday. The weekend may bring cooler temperatures and potential precipitation, with the arrival of another system by Sunday.
Detailed forecast for Casper
Today: Casper will see sunny conditions, with a high near 60. It will be windy, with southwest winds of 15–20 mph increasing to 21–26 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts could reach as high as 40 mph.
Tonight: Expect partly cloudy skies with a low of around 36. It will be breezy, with a southwest wind blowing at 13–17 mph, and gusts could go as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday: The city will experience mostly sunny weather, with a high near 59. Windy conditions will continue, with a southwest wind of 16–25 mph and gusts potentially reaching 38 mph.
Wednesday Night: The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low of around 42. Windy conditions persist, with a southwest wind of 21–25 mph and gusts as high as 38 mph.
Thursday: Casper can expect mostly sunny skies, with a high near 49. The day will be breezy, with a west-southwest wind of 19–24 mph shifting to the north at 10–15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.
Thursday Night: The night will be mostly clear, with a low of around 26. Expect a southwest wind of 6–13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Friday: Sunny weather is forecast, with a high near 55. Breezy conditions will prevail, with a southwest wind of 14–18 mph and gusts reaching up to 25 mph.
Friday Night: The sky will be mostly clear, with a low of around 29.