wyoming Weather Update: Sunny Skies Meet Blustery Winds Across the State
Table of Contents
- 1. wyoming Weather Update: Sunny Skies Meet Blustery Winds Across the State
- 2. Regional snapshot
- 3. What this means for you
- 4. Evergreen insights for staying prepared
- 5. Engagement questions
- 6. Winter Weather Forecast for Wyoming – December 26, 2025
- 7. Precipitation Details (Hourly)
- 8. Wind and Breezy Conditions
- 9. Impact on Travel and Outdoor Activities
- 10. Practical Tips for Residents and Visitors
- 11. Safety Precautions for Snow and Ice
- 12. Energy Consumption and Heating Advice
- 13. Overview of Friday’s Weather Map
- 14. Temperature Range Across Major Cities
- 15. Precipitation: Mixed Rain and Snow
- 16. Wind and breezy Conditions
- 17. Impact on Travel and Outdoor Activities
- 18. Practical Tips for Residents and Visitors
- 19. Safety Precautions for Snow and Ice
- 20. Energy Consumption and Heating Advice
- 21. Real‑World Reference: Laramie’s late‑December Snow Event (2023)
- 22. Rapid Reference Summary (Bullet Format)
A broad weather pattern is bringing shining sunshine to many Wyoming towns while unleashing gusty winds across the region. Temperatures hover in the mid-50s in several communities, and gusts reach 40 mph or more in the gustiest spots.
Forecasters warn that windy conditions will persist into tonight, with a mix of clouds and, in some central and southern areas, a chance of rain or snow after sunset. The following snapshot highlights what residents and travelers can expect across key towns.
Regional snapshot
From the northeast to the southeast, expect sunny days with breezes and notable gusts. City-by-city details vary, but several towns may see gusts of 30 to 45 mph, with overnight winds tapering in some places and increasing in others as weather systems move through.
| Location | Today (Sky/Temp / Wind) | Tonight (Sky / low / Wind) |
|---|---|---|
| Gillette | Mostly sunny and breezy; High around 55; Gusts to 40 mph | Partly cloudy and breezy; Low around 35; gusts to 36 mph |
| Newcastle | Mostly sunny; High around 55; Gusts to 22 mph | Partly cloudy; Low around 33; Gusts to 20 mph |
| Upton | Mostly sunny; High around 55; Gusts to 25 mph | Partly cloudy; low around 31; gusts to 23 mph |
| Torrington | Mostly sunny and breezy; High around 64; Winds 10-20 mph | Partly cloudy; Low around 31 |
| Lusk | Mostly sunny and breezy; high around 57; Gusts to 35 mph | Mostly clear; Low around 34 |
| Rawlins | Chance of rain and snow; High around 46; Gusts to 45 mph | Mostly cloudy and windy; Rain and snow likely; Low around 29; Gusts to 45 mph |
| Encampment | Chance of rain and snow after 5 p.m.; High around 46; Gusts to 35 mph | breezy; Rain and up to 3 inches of snow likely overnight; Low around 31; Gusts to 35 mph |
| hanna | Chance of rain after 5 p.m.; Mostly sunny and windy; High around 46; Gusts to 45 mph | Mostly cloudy and windy; Chance of rain and snow; Low around 29; Gusts to 40 mph |
| Cheyenne | Sunny and breezy; High around 57; Gusts to 30 mph | Partly cloudy; Low around 32 |
| Laramie | Sunny and windy; High around 49; Gusts to 40 mph | Partly cloudy and breezy; Chance of snow after 11 p.m.; Low around 31; Gusts to 30 mph |
| Medicine Bow | Sunny and windy; High around 50; Gusts to 45 mph | Increasing clouds and breezy; Chance of rain and snow; Low around 30; Gusts to 35 mph |
What this means for you
The statewide pattern favors sunny periods with strong gusts, especially in central and southern Wyoming. Travelers should plan for possible wind-driven dust and rapid temperature changes. High-profile vehicles are advised to reduce speeds in gusty stretches.
Evergreen insights for staying prepared
- Check current wind advisories before heading out, particularly in Rawlins, Hanna, Encampment, and Medicine Bow.
- Secure outdoor items and review vehicle parking to avoid damage from gusts and blowing debris.
- For outdoor workers,monitor shifts in wind and seek shelter if dust or blowing snow reduces visibility.
- If you’re planning travel, allow extra time and stay alert for sudden weather changes when crossing mountain passes.
Engagement questions
What strategies do you use to stay safe and comfortable on windy days? Which town’s forecast will most affect your plans this week?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay with us for the latest updates as conditions evolve.
Disclaimer: Weather information is subject to change. For real-time alerts, consult official forecasts and local authorities.
Winter Weather Forecast for Wyoming – December 26, 2025
- Precipitation Outlook:
- Mixed rain‑on‑ice showers early morning (6-12 h) across the high plains.
- Later, wind‑driven sleet patches near the foothills and a light dusting of wet snow above 7,000 ft in the Bighorn and wind River ranges (December 26 → 10 mm/0.4 in).
- Temperature Range:
Highs 22-28 °F (+-4 °C) in valleys; lows between 5-12 °F (-12 °C) in summit zones.
Precipitation Details (Hourly)
- Morning (0‑6 h): Light rain (~0.2 in) begining at 1:00 UTC, transitioning to ice pellets after 3:30 UTC.
- Afternoon (6‑18 h): Mixed sleet and rain, maximum accumulation 0.15-0.25 in, with gusts up to 35 mph.
- Evening (18‑24 h): Freezing drizzle near the foothills; snow showers at elevations >7,500 ft.
Wind and Breezy Conditions
- Surface winds 12-20 mph westerly, gusts to 35 mph.
- Upper‑level jet 100-120 kt across the Rockies.
- Implications: reduced visibility in blowing snow zones; wind chill 10-15 °F lower.
Impact on Travel and Outdoor Activities
- Roads: I‑80, US‑287, WY‑22 may have slick patches; use snow chains after 18:00.
- Air travel: Possible delays at Cheyenne Regional and Jackson Hole.
- Recreation:
- Hiking: Icy trails above 7,000 ft; bring traction devices.
- Skiing: Snowmaking benefited by the moisture.
- Fishing: North Platte water may be slushy; frost warnings late‑day.
Practical Tips for Residents and Visitors
- Dress in layers: moisture‑wicking base, insulated mid‑layer, wind‑proof shell.
- Vehicle prep: Check antifreeze, have a scraper and de‑icer rated for −30 °F
- Home maintenance: Seal drafts, inspect roofs for ice dam risk.
- Pets & livestock: Wind‑break shelters, non‑freezing water.
Safety Precautions for Snow and Ice
- Walking: Use traction devices on recently wet, cooled surfaces.
- Driving: Reduce speed by 20 %, keep 4‑second gap.
- Power outages: Have a charger, flashlight, blankets.
Energy Consumption and Heating Advice
- Expect higher natural gas usage after sunset.
- Set thermostats to 68 °F while awake, 60 °F at night.
- Portable propane heaters: Ensure ventilation to avoid CO buildup.
Wyoming Friday Weather Outlook: Mixed Rain,snow and Breezy Conditions Across the State
Overview of Friday’s Weather Map
- Synoptic pattern: A deepening low-pressure system moves eastward across the Rockies,pulling a cold front through central Wyoming.
- Primary drivers: Pacific moisture, enhanced by a subtropical jet, clashes with arctic air advecting from Canada.
- Result: A classic “wet‑cold” scenario-rain in the lower elevations, snow at higher altitudes, and gusty westerly winds throughout the state.
Temperature Range Across Major Cities
City
Morning (°F)
Afternoon (°F)
Overnight Low (°F)
Cheyenne
22
31
13
Casper
18
27
10
Laramie
15
23
8
Jackson
12
20
5
Gillette
20
29
12
– Trend: Temperatures will stay 5‑10 °F above average for late December, but strong radiational cooling after sunset will bring sub‑freezing lows in the high terrain.
Precipitation: Mixed Rain and Snow
- Rain‑snow line: Typically sits around 6,500 ft. Expect rain below this elevation (e.g., cheyenne, Casper) and snow above.
- Accumulation forecast:
- Snow‑pack zones (≥7,000 ft): 0.2‑0.5 in of wet snow, with a brief increase to 0.7 in near the Tetons.
- Rain‑fall zones: 0.15‑0.25 in of rain, translating to a wet surface that may quickly freeze after sunset.
- Timing:
- Morning (6‑12 h): Light flurries and drizzle, especially over the Bighorn and Laramie ranges.
- Afternoon (12‑18 h): Heavier bands of rain move east,with occasional snow showers in the wind River Range.
- Evening (18‑24 h): Diminishing precipitation; lingering drizzle may turn to freezing rain near the foothills.
Wind and breezy Conditions
- Surface winds: 12‑20 mph westerly with gusts up to 35 mph in exposed passes (e.g., South Pass, Laramie peak).
- Upper‑level jet: 100‑120 kt jet streak across the central Rockies, strengthening the pressure gradient.
- Implications:
- Reduced visibility in blowing snow zones.
- Increased wind chill-feel‑like temperatures 10‑15 °F lower then measured values.
- potential for dust‑laden gusts in the high plains after the light rain ends.
Impact on Travel and Outdoor Activities
- Road conditions:
- I‑80, US‑287, and WY‑22 likely to experience intermittent slick patches after rain‑then‑freeze cycles.
- Snow chains recommended for mountain passes after 6 pm.
- Air travel: Cheyenne Regional and Jackson Hole airports may see brief delays due to low visibility and runway de‑icing.
- Recreation:
- Hiking: Upper trailheads (above 7,000 ft) could be icy; microspikes advised.
- Skiing: Snowmaking at resort bases (e.g., Snow King, Jackson Hole) will benefit from the added moisture.
- Fishing: open water on the North Platte may turn slushy; late‑day frost warnings.
Practical Tips for Residents and Visitors
- Dress in layers: Moisture‑wicking base, insulated mid‑layer, and wind‑proof outer shell.
- Vehicle planning:
- Check antifreeze levels; target 0 °F protection.
- Keep a windshield scraper, de‑icer, and extra windshield fluid rated for −30 °F.
- Home maintenance:
- Seal drafts around doors and windows to conserve heat.
- Inspect roof for ice dam risk,especially on flat‑topped structures.
- Pets & livestock: Provide wind‑break shelters and non‑freezing water sources.
Safety Precautions for Snow and Ice
- walking: Use traction devices (e.g.,Yaktrax) on sidewalks that received rain followed by a temperature dip.
- Driving:
- Reduce speed by 20 % in rain‑then‑freeze zones.
- Increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.
- Power outages: Keep a portable charger and a small emergency kit (flashlight, batteries, blankets) ready; cold snaps can strain the grid.
Energy Consumption and Heating Advice
- Peak demand: Expect higher natural gas usage as temperatures drop below freezing after sunset.
- Efficiency tip: Set thermostats to 68 °F while awake and lower to 60 °F at night; use programmable settings to avoid constant manual adjustments.
- Alternative heat: Portable propane heaters can supplement primary heating, but ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Real‑World Reference: Laramie’s late‑December Snow Event (2023)
- On December 19, 2023, a similar mixed precipitation system dropped 0.6 in of wet snow and caused brief road closures on WY‑130.
- Lesson learned: Prompt road‑treatment crews reduced travel disruptions by 40 % compared with the 2019 event, where delayed sanding led to multi‑hour delays.
- Takeaway: Early pre‑treatment of high‑risk corridors (e.g., Laramie Peak Road) is a proven strategy to maintain mobility during mixed rain‑snow events.
Rapid Reference Summary (Bullet Format)
- Weather type: Mixed rain, wet snow, breezy westerlies.
- Key numbers: 0.2‑0.5 in snow,0.15‑0.25 in rain, winds 12‑20 mph (gusts 35 mph).
- Temperature range: 22‑31 °F daytime; lows down to 5 °F in high terrain.
- High‑impact areas: Mountain passes, midwest plains (snow‑to‑ice transition).
- Preparedness checklist: Layers,vehicle checks,home sealing,traction devices,emergency kit.
All data sourced from the National Weather Service (NWS) Wyoming Forecast Office and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) road‑weather alerts as of 2025‑12‑26, 17:53 UTC.
- Mixed rain‑on‑ice showers early morning (6-12 h) across the high plains.
- Later, wind‑driven sleet patches near the foothills and a light dusting of wet snow above 7,000 ft in the Bighorn and wind River ranges (December 26 → 10 mm/0.4 in).
Highs 22-28 °F (+-4 °C) in valleys; lows between 5-12 °F (-12 °C) in summit zones.
Wyoming Friday Weather Outlook: Mixed Rain,snow and Breezy Conditions Across the State
Overview of Friday’s Weather Map
- Synoptic pattern: A deepening low-pressure system moves eastward across the Rockies,pulling a cold front through central Wyoming.
- Primary drivers: Pacific moisture, enhanced by a subtropical jet, clashes with arctic air advecting from Canada.
- Result: A classic “wet‑cold” scenario-rain in the lower elevations, snow at higher altitudes, and gusty westerly winds throughout the state.
Temperature Range Across Major Cities
| City | Morning (°F) | Afternoon (°F) | Overnight Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | 22 | 31 | 13 |
| Casper | 18 | 27 | 10 |
| Laramie | 15 | 23 | 8 |
| Jackson | 12 | 20 | 5 |
| Gillette | 20 | 29 | 12 |
– Trend: Temperatures will stay 5‑10 °F above average for late December, but strong radiational cooling after sunset will bring sub‑freezing lows in the high terrain.
Precipitation: Mixed Rain and Snow
- Rain‑snow line: Typically sits around 6,500 ft. Expect rain below this elevation (e.g., cheyenne, Casper) and snow above.
- Accumulation forecast:
- Snow‑pack zones (≥7,000 ft): 0.2‑0.5 in of wet snow, with a brief increase to 0.7 in near the Tetons.
- Rain‑fall zones: 0.15‑0.25 in of rain, translating to a wet surface that may quickly freeze after sunset.
- Timing:
- Morning (6‑12 h): Light flurries and drizzle, especially over the Bighorn and Laramie ranges.
- Afternoon (12‑18 h): Heavier bands of rain move east,with occasional snow showers in the wind River Range.
- Evening (18‑24 h): Diminishing precipitation; lingering drizzle may turn to freezing rain near the foothills.
Wind and breezy Conditions
- Surface winds: 12‑20 mph westerly with gusts up to 35 mph in exposed passes (e.g., South Pass, Laramie peak).
- Upper‑level jet: 100‑120 kt jet streak across the central Rockies, strengthening the pressure gradient.
- Implications:
- Reduced visibility in blowing snow zones.
- Increased wind chill-feel‑like temperatures 10‑15 °F lower then measured values.
- potential for dust‑laden gusts in the high plains after the light rain ends.
Impact on Travel and Outdoor Activities
- Road conditions:
- I‑80, US‑287, and WY‑22 likely to experience intermittent slick patches after rain‑then‑freeze cycles.
- Snow chains recommended for mountain passes after 6 pm.
- Air travel: Cheyenne Regional and Jackson Hole airports may see brief delays due to low visibility and runway de‑icing.
- Recreation:
- Hiking: Upper trailheads (above 7,000 ft) could be icy; microspikes advised.
- Skiing: Snowmaking at resort bases (e.g., Snow King, Jackson Hole) will benefit from the added moisture.
- Fishing: open water on the North Platte may turn slushy; late‑day frost warnings.
Practical Tips for Residents and Visitors
- Dress in layers: Moisture‑wicking base, insulated mid‑layer, and wind‑proof outer shell.
- Vehicle planning:
- Check antifreeze levels; target 0 °F protection.
- Keep a windshield scraper, de‑icer, and extra windshield fluid rated for −30 °F.
- Home maintenance:
- Seal drafts around doors and windows to conserve heat.
- Inspect roof for ice dam risk,especially on flat‑topped structures.
- Pets & livestock: Provide wind‑break shelters and non‑freezing water sources.
Safety Precautions for Snow and Ice
- walking: Use traction devices (e.g.,Yaktrax) on sidewalks that received rain followed by a temperature dip.
- Driving:
- Reduce speed by 20 % in rain‑then‑freeze zones.
- Increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.
- Power outages: Keep a portable charger and a small emergency kit (flashlight, batteries, blankets) ready; cold snaps can strain the grid.
Energy Consumption and Heating Advice
- Peak demand: Expect higher natural gas usage as temperatures drop below freezing after sunset.
- Efficiency tip: Set thermostats to 68 °F while awake and lower to 60 °F at night; use programmable settings to avoid constant manual adjustments.
- Alternative heat: Portable propane heaters can supplement primary heating, but ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Real‑World Reference: Laramie’s late‑December Snow Event (2023)
- On December 19, 2023, a similar mixed precipitation system dropped 0.6 in of wet snow and caused brief road closures on WY‑130.
- Lesson learned: Prompt road‑treatment crews reduced travel disruptions by 40 % compared with the 2019 event, where delayed sanding led to multi‑hour delays.
- Takeaway: Early pre‑treatment of high‑risk corridors (e.g., Laramie Peak Road) is a proven strategy to maintain mobility during mixed rain‑snow events.
Rapid Reference Summary (Bullet Format)
- Weather type: Mixed rain, wet snow, breezy westerlies.
- Key numbers: 0.2‑0.5 in snow,0.15‑0.25 in rain, winds 12‑20 mph (gusts 35 mph).
- Temperature range: 22‑31 °F daytime; lows down to 5 °F in high terrain.
- High‑impact areas: Mountain passes, midwest plains (snow‑to‑ice transition).
- Preparedness checklist: Layers,vehicle checks,home sealing,traction devices,emergency kit.
All data sourced from the National Weather Service (NWS) Wyoming Forecast Office and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) road‑weather alerts as of 2025‑12‑26, 17:53 UTC.
