Coming storm expected to drop temps, bring snow

After more than a week of abnormally warm temperatures, Powellites will brace for a significant weather change beginning Wednesday.

“Every day for the past couple of weeks, you’ve had a high in the low 60s, dropping into the 30-40 degree range for lows across the area,” said Tim Troutman, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service office in Riverton. “Conditions have really been, across the area, abnormal for this time of the year,” Troutman said.

Powell’s high on Sunday was 65 degrees. While that didn’t set a record (the record is 71), it was 20 degrees above normal, Troutman said.

But that’s about to change.

Wednesday’s high will top out in the 50s, and winds will average 15-20 mph, with gusts to around 30 mph, as a cold front pushes into the northern Big Horn Basin, Troutman said. 

Powell has a 20 percent chance of light rain from Wednesday evening until midnight; after that, the temperature is expected to fall below freezing, and the rain will change to snow, Troutman said.

Thursday’s high will reach the mid-30s, with a 50 percent chance of snow, and the low that night will be around 10-15 degrees, he said. Winds will continue at 15-20 mph, with gusts to about 25 mph. Total snow accumulation is predicted to be 1 to 3 inches in the valley, and 4-8 inches in the mountains.

“Friday may be our coldest day, with high temps around freezing ... and lows around 10 degrees, and single digits in higher elevations,” Troutman said.

Troutman noted this is a significant weather change, and he urged people to use caution if they’re going to be out in the storm.

“When you travel Wyoming, you can drive long distances without services, so travelers need to be ready to wait out a storm if they become stranded. Having a winter safety kit packed in your vehicle is a must,” said Troutman, said.

A kit should at least include non-perishable food, water, essential medications, blankets, flashlights and a first aid kit, he said. 

Troutman added that travelers should always dress for winter weather when driving and charge cell phones before departing.

“We have heard too many stories of people wearing shorts and sandals when driving across Wyoming,” he said. “Those won’t do you much good if you become stranded or are in an accident.”

Even with a winter safety kit packed in their vehicles, Troutman said travelers should be prepared to alter or cancel travel plans if hazardous driving conditions are expected. He suggested checking the latest forecasts at www.weather.gov/riverton or by calling the Riverton NWS office at 1-800-211-1448. Troutman added that the NWS also routinely uses Facebook and Twitter to share forecasts and current weather and road conditions.