Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Riverton, WY
Issued by NWS Riverton, WY
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472 FXUS65 KRIW 142255 AFDRIW Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Riverton WY 455 PM MDT Sat Sep 14 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... - Elevated to critical fire weather conditions today for much of central and southern Wyoming. - Isolated showers and thunderstorms expected Sunday afternoon. Strong outflow wind gusts are the primary concern with little rainfall. - Rain chances increase Sunday evening across western Wyoming. - A more active pattern sets in early next week, with the best chances of rain across western Wyoming. Cooler temperatures are likely for most areas next week. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 230 PM MDT Sat Sep 14 2024 The warming trend continues today under a dry west to southwest upper flow. Temperatures will peak a few degrees above normal for this time of year, generally in the 70s to low 80s across lower elevations. Skies will remain mostly clear other than some high clouds across the northern half of the area. The one weather concern we do have today is fire weather. A relatively weak surface gradient will set up across eastern Wyoming this afternoon, and combined with ample mixing will nonetheless lead to winds gusting 20 to 30 mph and humidity dropping below 20 percent for much of the lower elevations. A Red Flag Warning is in effect through the afternoon for locations where the strongest wind and lowest humidity align. On Sunday the predominant flow becomes increasingly southwesterly as a low pressure system begins pushing into the Pacific Northwest. Warmer air will be advected into Wyoming in response, bringing highs 5 to 10 degrees above normal. This will also return increased Pacific/monsoonal moisture to the area. Given the moisture, there should be enough heating for weak instability (200-400 J/kg of CAPE) across the southern half of the area for isolated convection in the afternoon. CAMS are supportive of this, generally showing isolated activity pulling north into the evening. Given the still fairly dry boundary layer, much of the associated rain will have a hard time reaching the ground. Accordingly, virga showers will present a gusty outflow wind threat, especially across southern Wyoming during the afternoon. Shower chances will increase slightly Sunday night (<40%) across western Wyoming as the low continues to drop south, bringing another surge of moisture to the area. Most locations will remain dry through Monday morning. The system finally begins to move more easterly Monday afternoon, with leading shortwaves helping to kick off additional showers across western areas. Precipitation chances will then spread eastward through Tuesday as the low approaches Wyoming. However, the forecast track of the low still takes it on a more north/northeasterly approach centered over Idaho, which would again keep rain focused on western Wyoming. The more widespread impact may be cooler temperatures as a cold front moves east, as well as strong winds ahead of the front. An active pattern appears favorable to persist Wednesday through the end of the week as another system arrives. Though solutions with this feature remain uncertain, cooler than normal temperatures with continued rain chances are likely for the entire area into next weekend. && .AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z MONDAY/... Issued at 454 PM MDT Sat Sep 14 2024 Besides high cirrus clouds, mostly clear skies this evening through tonight. Current breezy evening winds will quickly decrease around sunset. Models remain consistent regarding the drier air in place tonight keeping patchy fog out of the KJAC area for Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon will feature a slight increase in breezy winds for sites west of the Continental Divide. Scattered afternoon showers and a few weak thunderstorms bring a 20% chance of brief strong and erratic winds gusts for KJAC, KBPI, KPNA, and KRKS. && .FIRE WEATHER... Issued at 230 PM MDT Sat Sep 14 2024 Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will persist through the afternoon in response to a weak pressure gradient and ample mixing. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the few zones where criteria should be met. Another round of fire weather highlights was considered for central Wyoming on Sunday where humidity should drop below 15 percent. However, the outflow-driven wind threat does not appear as widespread across these areas which should limit fire weather concerns there. && .RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Red Flag Warning until 7 PM MDT this evening for WYZ277-280- 289-300. && $$ DISCUSSION...Myers AVIATION...VandenBoogart FIRE WEATHER...Myers