012
FXUS65 KRIW 201836
AFDRIW

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Riverton WY
1236 PM MDT Sat Jul 20 2024

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Today is similar to the past few days. Highs are around normal
  for this time of year. Showers and thunderstorms are possible
  through this afternoon and evening. Brief heavy rain and
  gusty winds are the main hazards, but small hail is also
  possible.

- A very stagnant weather pattern for this coming workweek. High
  pressure building in keeps warm temperatures around. Afternoon
  isolated (15%-20%) shower/thunderstorm chances, but most
  remain dry.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 1236 PM MDT Sat Jul 20 2024

The western US high pressure has shifted slightly westward for
today. This allows for some shortwave energy to move through. As a
result, showers and thunderstorms will be a bit more widespread
today. The 12Z Riverton sounding had a precipitable water (PWAT)
value of 0.70 inches. The area will generally have values 100% to
150% of normal today. Some brief heavy rain and gusty outflow winds
would be the main threats today with any convection. Gusts up to
around 45 mph are possible, though would not be surprised to see
some 50 to 60 mph outflow gusts today. Small hail is also possible
with stronger storms. Everywhere will have a chance for a shower or
storm today, with chances ranging from 15% to 70% across the area.
The mountains will have most numerous storms. Chances decrease with
the setting sun, and almost all convection should be done by
midnight. Otherwise, today`s temperatures are very seasonal, peaking
in the mid-to-upper 80s for most.

Sunday trends a bit drier, with more isolated afternoon convection,
the best chances over the mountains and across Johnson and Natrona
Counties. Temperatures are also similar, if not a few degrees
cooler. For the coming workweek, the high pressure builds back east.
This brings some warmer temperatures and less rain chances, though
it still looks like some isolated (15%-20%) afternoon convection
occurs. A little better shower/storm chances for western Wyoming
mountains. Overall, little change occurs this next week when it
comes to the broader weather pattern.

When it comes to smoke, the HRRR shows the highest smoke
concentrations over western Wyoming today, which thins this evening
and overnight. Smoke from Canada begins to make its way into
northeast Wyoming for Sunday and moves over Johnson and Big Horn
Counties Sunday afternoon, as it travels southward.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 1112 AM MDT Sat Jul 20 2024

Afternoon showers and thunderstorms will again be possible today,
with greatest chances (40%) between 20Z and 02Z for most terminals.
KJAC and KCOD as well as lesser chances at KPNA and KBPI, could see
showers and thunderstorms to start the period. KJAC has noted VCTS
this morning as a few thunderstorms have formed in ID and pushed
eastward into the Jackson valley. This pattern will likely persist
through the afternoon. Gusty winds and frequent lightning will be
the primary threats from thunderstorms this afternoon.

Shower and thunderstorm activity will diminish after 02Z and mostly
clear skies and light winds will prevail through the rest of the
period.

Please see the Aviation Weather Center and/or CWSU ZDV and ZLC for
the latest information on smoke, icing, and turbulence
forecasts.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 149 AM MDT Sat Jul 20 2024

Convection will be the driving factor behind fire weather concerns
in the short-term. Fire starts from lightning have been cropping up
over the last couple of weeks as fuels have been drying thanks to
mostly dry conditions and hot temperatures. Wind is not a primary
concern in the sense that synoptic flow will remain weak, but
plentiful outflow boundaries from convection will continue to pose a
risk to ongoing and new fires. This will be the main threats through
this weekend into early next week, but temperatures will rise, which
will result in falling RH by the middle of next week. Wind will be
the saving grace, again, since high pressure that is bringing the
hotter/drier air will keep wind light in general. Convection will
decrease in coverage, but is not likely to cease altogether, so new
fire starts from lightning will remain a threat through next
week.

&&

.RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Air Quality Alert until 1 PM MDT this afternoon for WYZ001-012-
013.

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Wittmann
AVIATION...Hensley
FIRE WEATHER...Rowe