RIVERTON, Wyo. — A tranquil sunrise over the Wind River Basin belies the first real brush with winter headed for Wyoming. By late weekend, expect stronger winds, accumulating mountain snow, and a noticeable cooldown sweeping in Sunday night.
The National Weather Service office in Riverton has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 11 p.m. Saturday for the Absaroka, Teton, Wind River, and Wyoming ranges. Several inches of snow are anticipated through Monday evening. Southwest winds of 30 to 50 mph will whip across the higher terrain, at times dropping visibility to near zero on mountain passes, especially around Togwotee and South Pass. Those planning cross-state travel or early-week commutes should be ready for blowing snow and hazardous conditions at elevation.
In the valleys—including Riverton and Lander—the biggest impacts will be gusty winds and a rapid temperature slide. Clouds will build Sunday afternoon with spotty rain showers and gusts near 35 mph, followed by cooler air settling in Monday. Highs tumble from the upper 60s on Saturday to the lower 50s Monday, and by Tuesday morning, lows in the 20s could bring patchy frost to open fields and rangeland.
Calmer weather returns by midweek as skies clear and daytime temperatures climb back into the 50s—good news for outdoor projects and Halloween preparations. Even so, this first winter system is a pointed reminder that November’s chill is fast approaching.
Five-Day Forecast for Riverton, WY:
– Sat: 67/38 — Mostly sunny; southwest breeze with gusts near 30 mph.
– Sun: 61/33 — Cloudier; scattered rain and snow showers, gusts near 35 mph.
– Mon: 51/24 — Blustery and colder; gradual clearing later.
– Tue: 51/25 — Sunny and calm after a frosty start.
– Wed: 58/28 — Mostly sunny; mild and dry.
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